Pakistan is actively working to become an economic bridge between South Asia and Central Asia by developing strategic road and rail links to Russia through Iran and Afghanistan, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan said during his address at the Kazan Forum in Russia.

The minister outlined six potential trade corridors aimed at connecting Karachi, Quetta, and Gwadar with Central Asia and Europe, presenting Pakistan as a key hub in the evolving Eurasian trade network.

“We want to create a road network from Iran to Azerbaijan and Russia. Pakistan is not just a transit country; it is an economic bridge between South and Central Asia,” Khan said.

He further emphasized Pakistan's commitment to infrastructure expansion and regional cooperation, highlighting that the pilot phase of a train link to Russia via Iran is already underway.

Strategic rail and road projects in focus

One of the key projects highlighted was the Mazar-e-Sharif to Kohat rail link, which is estimated to cost $633 million. The project aims to facilitate cargo movement from Afghanistan into Pakistan and beyond.

Khan also pointed to the Karachi-to-Moscow route via China and Kazakhstan, as well as another corridor from Gwadar to Moscow and Turkmenistan via Afghanistan, both under serious consideration.

“Pakistan is implementing multiple regional cooperation agreements, including those under the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO),” he noted.

Boosting investment and connectivity

The minister described the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway (M6) as an attractive investment opportunity and said Pakistan is actively offering logistics access for warm water to landlocked Central Asian states through its port cities.

Since 2023, Pakistan’s National Logistics Cell (NLC) has been providing cargo services to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

While addressing the Kazan Forum, Abdul Aleem Khan extended his congratulations to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and warmly welcomed Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin and Russian Transport Minister Roman Starovoit. He praised the forum as a timely and strategic platform for enhancing economic ties among participating countries.

“The Kazan Forum is a welcome step and will prove beneficial for all countries involved,” he stated.

Ease of travel: Visa reforms in Pakistan

Highlighting recent reforms to promote economic and cultural exchange, Khan revealed that Pakistan has introduced visa-on-arrival for citizens of 126 countries. In the past year, over 12,500 visas have been issued to businessmen and tourists, underscoring Pakistan’s intent to open its doors to global partners.