Afghan crisis biggest challenge to region: NSA

Janjua says Pakistan can become trade corridor for Central Asia

Pakistan can become massive trade corridor for the landlocked Central Asian Republics (CARs) National Security Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Nasser Khan Janjua.

Speaking about “Prospects of Multilateral Security Cooperation for Multi Dimension Security Issues in the Region”, Janjua said the biggest challenge for this region is aggravating power rivalries of Russia and China.

He was expressing his views at a conference “Pakistan: A Land of Opportunities for Central Asian Republics (CARs)” organised by the Centre for Global and Strategic Studies (CGSS).

The aim of the conference was to explore various opportunities and commonalities that can become the foundation for multilateral regional initiatives.



NSA observed that Afghanistan, in the future, will be used to checkmate the CARs. “This is the biggest common challenge that we have to correct and come together to resolve this common threat.”

He further stated that to end the suffering of Afghanistan and its people, “let’s all seek closure of conflict instead of winning it.” Pakistan provides biggest bridge and connectivity to the world. Pakistan and its relationship with Central Asia is a part of Devine management.

Minister of Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal speaking about CPEC said :“We are living in the age of connectivity and network, where we need to explore the opportunity for connectivity and progress.”

Tajikistan Centre for Strategic Studies Director Dr Khudoberdi Kholiqnazar said it is important to promote the formation of economic corridors, in the centre of which there are transport and energy arteries creating opportunities for business and tourism.

Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Ikramov Adkham Ilkhamovich stated that his country has started process of simplification of cross border trading for development.

Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies Chief Research Fellow Irina Chernykh stated that Intra-industry trade must be promoted to explore the untapped potentials of the region.



Kyrgyz Republic National Institute of Strategic Studies Deputy Director Baidoletov Nuradil Esenbekovich said : “Kyrgyzstan pays special attention to the sphere of education and we believe that such joint projects will allow our young generation to receive quality education both in the Kyrgyz Republic and in Pakistan.”

Turkmenistan Deputy Minister of Finance Merdan Bayramdurdyyev said his country is working with Pakistan on developing economic and transit trade corridors.

Uzbekistan Institute of Strategic and Interregional Researches Director Mustafayev Bakhtiyor Rasulovich said: “our countries will be able to implement their potential in trade, communication, cultural and humanitarian spheres, as well as in the issues of security and stability.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 23^rd, 2018.