Islamabad, May 17, 2025 – Pakistan has unveiled a comprehensive vision to establish itself as a vital economic link between South Asia, Central Asia, and beyond.
As part of this initiative, six major trade corridors have been identified, aiming to connect Pakistan with Central Asia, Europe, and Russia through strategic routes across China, Afghanistan, and Iran.
Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, speaking at the closing session of the Kazan Forum, emphasized that Pakistan seeks not just to function as a transit hub, but as a dynamic economic corridor for regional integration. He stressed Pakistan’s active engagement in regional cooperation, underscoring the country’s participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and other regional frameworks.
Among the proposed corridors are strategic routes from Karachi to Moscow via China and Kazakhstan, Gwadar to Moscow through Afghanistan, and connections extending through Turkmenistan and Iran to Azerbaijan and Russia. These routes, once operational, would transform Pakistan into a key gateway for trade and transport across Eurasia.
Highlighting infrastructure development, Khan noted that the Mazar-i-Sharif to Kohat Railway Project is in advanced planning stages, with an estimated cost of $633 million. Additionally, he cited the Sukkur-Hyderabad M-6 Motorway as a flagship investment opportunity, reflecting Pakistan’s dedication to enhancing North-South connectivity.
The minister further stated that Pakistan’s Gwadar Port has become operational for cargo movement, enabling Central Asian nations greater access to warm-water ports. Since 2023, the National Logistics Cell (NLC) has expanded its cargo services to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, strengthening regional trade ties.
To encourage global business activity, Pakistan introduced Visa-On-Arrival facilities for citizens of 126 countries, streamlining access for international investors and traders. Ongoing pilot projects include the development of a rail link to Russia via Iran, opening new avenues for overland commerce.
On the forum’s sidelines, Abdul Aleem Khan held a bilateral meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin. Both sides agreed to enhance collaboration in infrastructure, trade, and transport sectors. Khan thanked Russian leadership for their hospitality and reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to develop durable, multi-sector partnerships with Russia.
Through these visionary corridors, Pakistan aims to emerge as a pivotal economic bridge fostering sustainable regional growth.