Pakistan’s Geo-Strategic Location Makes It a Bridge Between South, Central Asia and the Middle East: Aleem Khan

Islamabad/Almatay: Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan on Tuesday underscored Pakistan’s pivotal geo-strategic position in connecting South Asia, the Middle East, and Central Asia, asserting that regional trade corridors could turn landlocked states into land-linked economies.

Addressing the Silk Way Transport Forum in Almaty, Kazakhstan, the minister said that the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul (ITI) road corridor holds critical importance not only for Pakistan but for the entire region, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Communications.

Highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to regional connectivity, he noted that the flagship China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects — part of the broader Belt and Road Initiative — align with Pakistan’s vision of achieving self-reliance and sustainable economic growth by 2030. He added that CPEC’s integration with other regional frameworks such as the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) corridors, along with Pakistan’s membership in the TIR and Quadrilateral Transit Agreement, represents a milestone for enhancing inter-regional trade.

Aleem Khan emphasized that transforming transport corridors into engines of prosperity requires joint efforts among regional states. However, he cautioned that customs regulations and visa barriers continue to hinder full regional integration. He also pointed out that the digital transformation underway in Pakistan’s communications sector is ensuring greater transparency and efficiency.

Referring to Eurasia as the world’s largest landmass, the minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to play a constructive role in bridging South Asia, the Middle East, and Central Asia through connectivity and trade.

The Silk Way Transport Forum brought together transport ministers from 12 countries, including Türkiye, Iran, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, Belarus, Russia, Latvia, and Kazakhstan. The host, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Transport Nurlan Sauranbayev, warmly received the Pakistani delegation and extended hospitality to the visiting minister.

On the sidelines, Abdul Aleem Khan held a bilateral meeting with Minister Sauranbayev to discuss initiatives aimed at enhancing connectivity between the two nations. Both sides agreed to explore direct flights, streamline travel procedures, and issue multiple-entry visas, particularly to facilitate business exchanges.

The Pakistani minister also invited his Kazakh counterpart to attend the upcoming Regional Transport Conference scheduled in Islamabad on October 23–24, which will feature participation from multiple countries.

Aleem Khan informed the meeting that Pakistan’s Karakoram Highway and Khunjerab Border remain operational throughout the year, while flood-damaged highways have been fully restored. He reiterated that CPEC serves as the backbone of regional development, expressing confidence that Kazakhstan could benefit from Pakistan’s seaports and trade routes.

During the discussions, both sides welcomed the proposed Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan (KTAP) transport corridor. They also agreed to establish a joint logistics company between Pakistan’s National Logistics Cell (NLC) and Kazakhstan’s KTZ Express. Additionally, Pakistan Post and KazPost expressed readiness to cooperate in e-commerce through the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).

The Kazakh transport minister reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening future cooperation, acknowledging Pakistan as a vital regional partner and expressing optimism that bilateral relations will continue to grow stronger.