In a pivotal stride towards regional connectivity, Pakistan and Russia have reached an agreement to collaborate on establishing a robust rail and road network. This initiative aims to link Pakistan directly with Central Asia and Russia, thereby providing landlocked states with crucial access to warm waters through Pakistani territory.
The accord was forged during a high-level meeting between Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan and Russian Federation’s Deputy Minister of Transport Andrey Sergeyevich Nikitin. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) ministerial conference in Tianjin, China.
Both leaders underscored the importance of accelerating infrastructure development across the region to facilitate enhanced trade and economic integration. This strategic endeavor seeks to transform Pakistan into a strategic transit hub by bolstering trade corridors and logistical routes extending to Russia and Central Asia.
Highlighting Pakistan’s ongoing modernization efforts, Federal Minister Khan elaborated on the country’s initiatives to digitize its transport infrastructure, including the introduction of barrier-free motorways, mandatory e-tagging, and comprehensive CCTV surveillance. He asserted that these reforms are integral to Pakistan’s broader objective of optimizing regional connectivity and cross-border trade.
Deputy Minister Nikitin acknowledged the significant potential of Pakistan-Russia cooperation in reshaping regional trade dynamics. He reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to pursuing joint transport and infrastructure projects with Pakistan.
Discussions during the meeting also encompassed the broader objectives of the SCO conference.
It is notable that the Pakistani delegation, led by Minister Khan, actively participated in the three-day SCO event in Tianjin. Chinese Minister of Transport Liu Wei also extended a welcoming reception to the Pakistani delegation.
Members of the delegation also engaged with various counterparts from SCO member states. In his address, Minister Khan detailed Pakistan’s communication sector reforms, the increased revenue generated by the National Highway Authority and motorways over the past 15 months, and strategic plans to enhance land links through China and Afghanistan.
The Pakistani delegation, which included the federal secretary for communications and other senior officials, underscored Islamabad’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing transportation as a key enabler for fostering regional trade growth.
