ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said that Pakistan serves as a vital bridge between South Asia and Central Asia, underscoring the country’s strategic importance in the region.
Speaking at the Regional Transport Ministers Conference 2025 in Islamabad, Dar highlighted Pakistan’s active role in promoting regional connectivity. He emphasized that the transport sector is crucial for economic growth and that strengthening regional links is essential for collective development.
He noted that Pakistan’s highways play a significant role in facilitating regional connections, while the government is prioritizing the expansion of road and rail networks. “Enhanced connectivity is the key to achieving shared progress,” Dar stated.
The Deputy Prime Minister further mentioned that road projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) are critical for improving linkages, and that a proposed railway network between Pakistan and Uzbekistan is under consideration. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to boosting trade with both South and Central Asian nations.
Dar added that power generation projects are essential for achieving energy efficiency, and that Pakistan is modernizing its ports and working on an e-port initiative to facilitate exports. “We are taking concrete steps to ensure export-led economic growth,” he said.
Addressing the conference, Minister for Transport Aleem Khan said that a well-integrated transport system is vital for the development of any country. He noted that Pakistan is adopting modern technologies in the transport sector to improve efficiency and performance.
Referring to CPEC, Aleem Khan said the project is helping Pakistan strengthen its ties with other countries, fostering trade relations and economic growth.
The Regional Transport Ministers Conference 2025 highlighted the importance of enhancing regional transport systems and building stronger connections among nations. The Pakistani leadership emphasized the need for greater investment and modernization in the transport sector to pave the way for national and regional prosperity.
