'Landlocked can be land-linked states'

Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, on Tuesday, has underlined Pakistan's pivotal geo-strategic role in connecting South Asia, the Middle East, and Central Asia, stressing that regional trade corridors can transform landlocked states into land-linked economies.

Addressing the Silk Way Transport Forum in Almaty, Kazakhstan, he said the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul road link is critical for Pakistan and the wider region, according to a press release.

The minister highlighted flagship China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, which are aligned with Pakistan's vision of self-reliance and sustainable growth by 2030. He said CPEC is integrated with other regional corridors, including ECO and SCO initiatives, while Pakistan's membership of TIR and the Quadrilateral Transit Agreement marks progress in connectivity.

Aleem Khan stressed that through trade corridors, landlocked states can be transformed into land-linked economies, while digital transformation is enhancing transparency in the communication sector. He underlined the strategic significance of Eurasia as the world's largest landmass and reaffirmed Pakistan's readiness to play its role in South Asia, Middle East and Central Asia.

He noted that international transport corridors should become pathways of peace and prosperity, though customs regulations and visa restrictions remain hurdles. He stressed the strategic importance of Eurasia as the world's largest landmass and reaffirmed Pakistan's readiness to play its role in linking South Asia, the Middle East and Central Asia.