Central Asia connect
Pakistan's focus on expanding ties with Central Asian Republics is an outcome of geo-economics. The graduation of CPEC into its second phase has thrown open new opportunities for the landlocked former Soviet states, as well as Afghanistan, to buoy their regional interaction for collective good. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visits to Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan were intended at kick-starting a new phase of understanding, and to cement relations on a broader horizon of multilateralism.
The promise from Baku to invest over $2 billion in Pakistan and, likewise, the eagerness of Tashkent to expand bilateral trade to $2 billion are epoch-making developments, and need to be firmly implemented. There are a large number of sectors that Pakistan can tap for these progressive republics in the north, especially in defence cooperation, transportation, energy and mining. A cobweb of unbridled air connectivity is a must, and it is a pity that Pakistan is still not on the map of several airlines that, otherwise, frequently fly to capitals in the region.
The Tashkent-Lahore flight is a good initiative which should be extended to Astana, Samarkand, Bishkek, Dushanbe, Bukhara and Minsk. Similarly, easing of visa regulations and due patronage to the businesses community is indispensable. Another area of interest should be infrastructure development to cut down on the road travel in the region, and enable logistics on a supersonic speed as is the case in Europe. Last but not least is pinning cultural and academic interactions to galvanise a better understanding of ethos for promoting pluralism.
As trade and commerce take roots, it necessitates an understanding to further the prospects for peace in Afghanistan. Nothing could be materialised with revulsion in the West Asian state, and Kabul has a major responsibility to dispense by exterminating terror fissures on its soil. This will not only help prospective energy projects such as TAPI and CASA-1000, but also the proposed railway link between Pakistan and Uzbekistan via Afghanistan. That is how geo-economics could be realised for the betterment of around a billion people in the region.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
an hour ago
- Express Tribune
CCC asserts action against 'Indian-sponsored proxies imperative at all levels'
Listen to article Corps Commanders' Conference (CCC) has strongly asserted that it is imperative to take decisive and holistic actions at all levels against Indian-backed and sponsored proxies. "Following its manifest defeat in direct aggression against Pakistan, after the Pahalgam incident, India is now doubling down to further its nefarious agenda through its proxies of Fitna Al Khawarij and Fitna Al Hindustan," the forum stated. Field Marshal Asim Munir chaired the 271st Corps Commanders' Conference (CCC) at the General Headquarters (GHQ) on Thursday, where key security issues and regional threats were discussed, according to the military's media wing. A statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said the meeting, attended by senior military officials, began with a prayer for the martyrs of recent terrorist attacks by Indian-sponsored proxies. The forum also reviewed Pakistan's recent successes in combating these proxies. 'Blood of our Shuhada will not go waste, and the safety and security of the people of Pakistan remain the topmost priority for the Armed Forces of Pakistan,' the CCC resolved. During the meeting, Field Marshal Asim Munir shared details of Pakistan's successful diplomatic efforts, highlighting recent visits to Iran, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, where he accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The forum was also briefed on the COAS's historic visit to the United States, where he engaged with top-tier leadership to provide Pakistan's perspective on bilateral, regional, and extra-regional developments. The conference further focused on the security situation, with particular attention given to recent developments in the Middle East and Iran. It noted the increasing use of force as a preferred policy tool in the region, which necessitates the continuous development of self-reliant military capabilities and national unity. Field Marshal Munir responded to the Indian Army's recent baseless allegations, stating, "Invoking third parties in what is unmistakably a bilateral military confrontation reflects a disingenuous attempt at bloc politics aimed at falsely projecting India's self-assigned role as a net security provider to accrue benefits in a region that is visibly growing disillusioned with Indian hegemonic ambitions and Hindutva-driven extremism." The forum also reviewed Pakistan's military's ongoing adaptation to the evolving threat spectrum and the changing character of modern warfare. In his closing remarks, the COAS expressed full confidence in the operational readiness of the Pakistan Army to address the full spectrum of threats, further commending the leadership of the Pakistan Navy and Air Force for strengthening tri-service synergy.
Business Recorder
5 hours ago
- Business Recorder
PM Shehbaz orders urgent reorganization of National Tariff Commission
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday directed the urgent reorganization of the National Tariff Commission's (NTC) legal, administrative, and other institutional powers and responsibilities. He said this while chairing the meeting on the performance of the National Tariff Commission, said a press release by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). He also said that a third-party review of the recent performance of the NTC should be conducted to make it more effective. 'The NTC's automated and efficient research capacity can play a key role in resolving the challenges faced by domestic businesses,' the PMO quoted the PM as saying. Moreover, the premier said that the government was committed to addressing the lack of training and resources of the commission and aligning its work with modern requirements. PM Shehbaz directed that the Appellate Tribunal of the NTC should be made functional immediately. Last week, the NTC concluded the first anti-circumvention investigation, extending anti-dumping duties to imports of a slightly modified product that was circumventing duties previously imposed on galvanized steel products. Moreover, the commission has generated Rs40 billion through anti-dumping duties on the import of over 100 products in the last 25 years. As per data provided by the NTC, the commission has conducted a total of 150 investigations into the cases of dumped imports since 2000. Out of the total, it imposed anti-dumping duties on as many as 114 cases, generating a revenue of Rs40 billion.
Business Recorder
9 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Agri reforms in Pakistan on the cards
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday pledged sweeping reforms aimed at revitalising the country's struggling agriculture sector, starting with measures to improve access to credit for farmers and the adoption of a public-private partnership model for agricultural financing. Chairing marathon meetings focused on agricultural development, Sharif said urgent reforms at the state-owned Zarai Taraqiati Bank Ltd (ZTBL) would be undertaken to ensure transparent and easy access to agricultural loans. He said agricultural projects would be prioritised under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) that began in July, with a focus on mechanisation, digitisation, and improving the business environment for farmers. The strategy aims to boost agricultural productivity, reduce costs, and support rural livelihoods, Sharif added. PM advocates agri reforms, increased output 'Sustainable reforms in the agricultural sector will further boost the national economy,' Sharif told participants, adding that reforms would extend beyond crops to include the livestock sector. 'Both the federal and provincial governments will work together to implement these changes.' Sharif said a comprehensive national strategy would be developed in coordination with provincial governments, and stressed that agricultural zoning and value chain strategies would be used to increase exports and align the sector with modern global standards. He also underscored the importance of including small landholders in technological advancements. The prime minister highlighted the planned rollout of digital platforms to keep farmers informed about agricultural innovations and policy directions, and said experts' input would be critical in shaping long- and short-term strategies. Proposals presented during the meeting included increasing storage capacity for agricultural commodities, boosting production, building agricultural infrastructure, and creating a transparent and business-friendly regulatory framework. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
