Pakistan’s Strategic Location Makes It a Tri-Junction of Economic Corridors: PM Shehbaz

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday emphasized that connectivity projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and transnational rail and road links would help synergize the economic strengths of regional countries and usher in a new era of trade, energy, and economic cooperation across the region and beyond.

Addressing the concluding session of the two-day Regional Transport Ministers Conference in Islamabad, the premier said regional cooperation in trade and economic spheres was a “win-win proposition” that would yield rich dividends for all participating nations.

“This would strengthen our common stake in peace and reinforce efforts for development in the region. Let us together sow the seeds of cooperation so that we may harvest the fruits of development and prosperity for our people,” the prime minister said.

Hosted by the Ministry of Communications under the theme “Regional Connectivity: Opportunities for the Region,” the conference brought together transport ministers and delegates from 20 countries, along with representatives from international organizations including the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), International Road Transport Union (IRU), and UNESCAP.

Highlighting Pakistan’s geographical advantage, Shehbaz Sharif said the country sits at the confluence of China, Central Asia, and the Middle East—linking the warm waters of the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf, making it a “unique tri-junction of economic corridors.”

He recalled that Pakistan had historically thrived on connectivity, from the ancient Silk Road to the modern Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). “Today, shifting geopolitical dynamics and the growing dominance of economic priorities have breathed new life into this ancient corridor, transforming it from a relic of the past into a strategic necessity for our future,” he said.

The prime minister lauded the vision of his brother and former premier, Nawaz Sharif, under whose leadership the CPEC was signed, calling it a transformative project that connected markets and people across China, Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East.

He announced that Pakistan was now entering an “exciting” second phase of CPEC 2.0, focused on fostering business-to-business partnerships, strengthening investment opportunities for Chinese enterprises, and advancing mutual prosperity.

Shehbaz Sharif also mentioned ongoing regional connectivity projects, including the Trans-Afghan Railways and Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul rail link, as well as enhanced air connectivity with Central Asian republics under frameworks such as the TIR Convention.

Expanding on the concept of connectivity, he noted that it was not confined to roads and railways but also encompassed digital infrastructure, data, and technological integration, as Pakistan seeks to align with the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

“Sixty percent of Pakistan’s population is between 15 and 30 years old—our youth are our greatest asset, poised to become the harbinger of Pakistan’s progress and prosperity,” he remarked.

Later, the prime minister visited an exhibition featuring stalls set up by the National Logistics Corporation (NLC), National Highway Authority (NHA), and Pakistan Railways, and interacted with representatives from various Pakistani companies.

In his concluding remarks, Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan said the conference reaffirmed the participants’ commitment to strengthening regional connectivity as a means to shared prosperity.

He said the forum recognized the need to promote innovative financing, enhance linkages, and foster partnerships with international financial institutions. The participants also called for liberal visa regimes and improved road safety measures for vulnerable users.

Aleem Khan expressed confidence that the discussions would pave the way for practical cooperation, joint ventures, and new initiatives, reaffirming Pakistan’s readiness to facilitate regional dialogue and partnership.