In an era where regional integration depends on effective connectivity, Pakistan's strategic location offers a crucial gateway to the landlocked Central Asian states, positioning it as a cost-effective and strategically valuable trading partner.
Unlocking the trade potential between these regions requires addressing policy, technical, and regional challenges through collaboration and forward-thinking strategies.
This theme was the focal point of the launch event for Bridging Horizons: Unravelling the Enigma of Connectivity between Pakistan and Central Asia, a book co-authored by Dr Faisal Javaid, Dr Uzma Siraj, and Dr Arkadiusz zukowski.
Published by IPS Press – the publishing arm of the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad, the book explores the historical, economic, and policy-driven dimensions of Pakistan-Central Asia relations, offering actionable insights into challenges and opportunities for fostering stronger ties.
The launch ceremony, hosted at Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST), Islamabad, was addressed as chief guest by Ambassador (r) Riaz Hussain Bukhari, Pakistan's former envoy to Uzbekistan, Prof Dr Ijaz Shafi Gilani, chairman Gallup Pakistan, Khalid Rahman, chairman IPS, Syed Abrar Hussain, IPS Vice Chairman, Dr Ihtshamul Haq, associate professor, FUUAST, Islamabad, and Dr Uzma Siraj, head IR Department, FUUAST.
Emphasising the book's central thesis, Dr Uzma Siraj underscored that connectivity is the cornerstone of regional integration, where Pakistan's strategic location connects landlocked Central Asian states to global markets. She noted that while the trade potential between Pakistan and Central Asian countries is immense, achieving this requires overcoming a multitude of challenges. In this context, she added that the book presents actionable strategies to enhance connectivity, including exploring alternative routes.
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