Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional connectivity and the CASA-1000 power project during the inaugural session of the two-day Regional Transport Ministers Conference 2025 held in Islamabad.
The conference, organized through the efforts of Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, brings together transport ministers and representatives from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and other regional states to discuss enhancing trade and infrastructure linkages.
Ishaq Dar underscores Pakistan’s role in regional growth
In his address, Ishaq Dar welcomed the delegates, calling the event “a milestone for regional cooperation and connectivity.” He said that Pakistan stands as the hub of regional trade and transport, linking South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
Dar stressed that CPEC plays a vital role in strengthening energy, infrastructure, and trade networks, while reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to implementing CASA-1000, a major regional power project designed to enhance energy security.
“Pakistan is not only fulfilling its commitments to regional energy initiatives but is also ready to invest in future power and transport projects,” Dar remarked.
He emphasised that technical and financial assistance from development partners and international financial institutions would further accelerate these goals.
Dar said the government is upgrading ports, railways, and highways to make Pakistan a regional hub for transport and logistics.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts in e-transport and export-based economic development, saying that transport corridors are the foundation of collective prosperity.
“Our highways and rail networks are playing a crucial role in regional integration. Promoting connectivity is inevitable for shared progress,” he said.
Aleem Khan: Modern and green transport system is key to growth
Addressing the inaugural session, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan welcomed the foreign delegates and highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to develop an integrated, environment-friendly transport system.
He said transport and connectivity form the “backbone of economic progress” and that the government is committed to expanding motorways, highways, and communication networks using modern technology.
“A modern, sustainable, and eco-friendly transport system is central to achieving inclusive development,” he said.
Khan also noted that the construction of motorways and use of new technologies reflect the government’s commitment to modernizing the communication sector.
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