Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stressed the importance of regional connectivity for stability, economic growth and shared development.
Addressing the Regional Transport Ministers’ International Conference in Islamabad on Thursday, he said Pakistan is ready to align transport plans, improve cross-border facilitation, attract joint investments and reinforce regional value chains, Radio Pakistan reported.
He said Pakistan’s strategic geography — linking South Asia with Central Asia, the Middle East and China — makes it a natural hub for regional connectivity and trade transit.
Highlighting the need to build seamless links by road, rail, air, maritime and digital and energy corridors to turn geography into opportunity, the DPM said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is widely recognised as a catalyst for energy infrastructure, transport connectivity and trade integration across South Asia and Central Asia.
Dar said CPEC reflects Pakistan’s commitment to partnerships that deliver real economic benefits not only for Pakistan and China but for the region at large.
He added that Pakistan’s motorways and highways are the backbone of regional and domestic connectivity, linking major border crossings to the ports of Karachi and Gwadar to boost exports and transit trade.
Referring to flagship connectivity projects, the deputy prime minister said the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan rail framework agreement is a milestone that will unlock new trade routes. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to invest in regional energy projects to ensure supply security.
Speaking at the conference, Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan called for practical steps to strengthen transport links, ease trade and deepen regional integration.
He said transport and connectivity are pillars of economic growth and that efficient systems are essential for competitiveness, resilience and sustainability.
Khan said the conference offers an opportunity to exchange views and build partnerships to strengthen transport networks and bring communities closer through enhanced regional connectivity.
