ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has offered new sea trade routes to Russia and Central Asian countries through its Arabian Sea ports as part of efforts to transform the country into a major regional trade hub.
Federal Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan highlighted Pakistan’s strategic location while addressing a meeting of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe in Geneva. He said Pakistan serves as a natural bridge connecting landlocked Central Asian states to global shipping routes.
The minister emphasized that Pakistan is promoting its major ports — Gwadar Port and Port of Karachi — as gateways linking South Asia, the Middle East, and Eurasia.
Expanding Regional Connectivity
According to the minister, cooperation with Belarus, Russia, and Central Asian nations marks a new phase of regional connectivity. Several trade corridors are already operational, including routes through Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Iran, China, and Kazakhstan.
A shipment from Kazakhstan successfully reached the United Arab Emirates through Pakistan in 2024, demonstrating the country’s growing capacity in handling international transit trade. Officials also reported more than 1,800 international road shipments under the UN transit system.
Infrastructure and Investment
A key project supporting Pakistan’s connectivity vision is the Sukkur–Hyderabad M-6 motorway, which will complete the country’s main north-south highway network. The minister invited foreign investors to participate, highlighting strong financial returns and enhanced trade opportunities.
Pakistan is also relying on infrastructure developed under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as the backbone of its trade expansion strategy. The government has allocated land at Gwadar Port for Central Asian countries and is working with Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan to improve digital trade systems and cross-border coordination.
Officials believe these initiatives will position Pakistan as a vital transit and logistics hub for Eurasia in the coming years.
