Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Communications, Abdul Aleem Khan, has reiterated the country’s firm resolve to boost regional trade via rail, road, and air routes. While speaking at the Ministerial Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Tianjin, China, the minister highlighted Pakistan’s pivotal geographic and strategic position in regional connectivity.
He pointed to Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening economic links through collaborative trade corridors involving China, Afghanistan, and Iran. These initiatives, he noted, are anchored in the progress made under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), particularly in the development of extensive road infrastructure.
Abdul Aleem Khan emphasized Pakistan's ambition to extend trade activities beyond its borders by leveraging international-standard cargo ports in Gwadar and Karachi. He also underscored the role of the northern Khunjerab Pass and southern seaports as gateways in this strategy.
Additionally, the minister highlighted the transformative potential of the proposed Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway Project, calling it a significant step toward comprehensive regional development and integration.