Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan said Wednesday that Pakistan has made significant progress in highway construction under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and is committed to enhancing regional trade and connectivity.
Addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Transport Ministers’ Summit, Khan emphasized that Pakistan’s northern Khunjerab border, as well as the ports of Gwadar and Karachi, are key to the country’s growing trade network. “Gwadar and Karachi ports are fully operational and meet international standards for cargo handling,” he said.
Khan said Pakistan aims to expand trade beyond its borders with Afghanistan and Iran and noted that the development of new trade corridors could become the backbone of Pakistan's economy.
He highlighted the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway project as a landmark for regional development. The 722-kilometer railway will connect Kharlachi to Termez via Mazar-i-Sharif.
Khan announced that Pakistan has decided to keep the Khunjerab-Sust road open throughout the year starting from 2023, boosting trade with China. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s full support for China’s Silk Road station projects.
“Pakistan is rapidly moving toward smart transport systems,” the minister said, adding that the country is actively working on the digitalization of its transport sector.
Khan shared that Pakistan has issued 20,000 visas on arrival to travelers from 126 countries as part of efforts to improve regional connectivity and openness.
“The path to regional development lies in mutual trust, cooperation, and modern integrated networks,” Khan said, adding that Pakistan is committed to working with SCO countries to build a connected transport network.
“Transport is not just about mobility; it is a gateway to development and regional collaboration,” he stressed.
Khan called the Shanghai Cooperation Organization a vital platform for promoting regional peace, prosperity, and connectivity. “Since becoming a permanent member of the SCO in 2017, Pakistan has remained committed to improving communication and transport links,” he said, assuring full implementation of decisions made at the SCO summit.
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