Regional Transport Ministerial Conference to be held in Oct: minister
This was disclosed by Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan while chairing a high-level consultative meeting in Islamabad, here on Thursday.
The federal minister stated that countries such as Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Iran will also be invited to attend this conference.
The aim is to strengthen both business-to-business and government-to-government connectivity across South Asian and Central Asian countries, he added.
Highlighting the strategic importance of access to warm waters for Central Asian countries, Aleem Khan emphasised that the expansion of rail, road and air linkages will be a key theme of the conference. He directed that the objectives of the regional gathering should be clearly defined, with safety and security treated as top priorities.
Furthermore, Aleem Khan instructed that international development partners such as the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and other relevant institutions be invited to participate, as well.
Domestic stakeholders including Pakistan Railways, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and other concerned departments will also be on boarded for this initiative.
The federal minister directed the formation of an Administrative Committee to ensure seamless organisation of the summit.
He confirmed that the deputy prime minister of Pakistan will lead the conference, underlining the importance of maximising its outcomes.
He stated that a core objective of the event is to offer countries such as Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and other Central Asian Republics access to Pakistan's ports in Gwadar and Karachi.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
5 hours ago
- Business Recorder
India's miscalculation and Pakistan's strategic victory
In a defining moment of South Asian military history, the May 2025 conflict marked a dramatic shift in the regional power balance. A far smaller and economically constrained Pakistan demonstrated not only military and technological parity with India, but also surpassed its rival in strategic planning, diplomatic agility, and psychological warfare. What began as an act of hubris by New Delhi ended in national humiliation, with Islamabad emerging stronger and more respected on the global stage. India's offensive—initiated under the assumption of swift success and limited backlash — turned into a monumental miscalculation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, buoyed by inflated domestic support and a self-image of regional dominance, underestimated Pakistan's preparedness and resolve. He hoped to win quick political dividends through a show of force, especially ahead of crucial elections. But Pakistan did not respond as expected. Instead of reacting impulsively, Islamabad bided its time. It waited for international consensus to identify India as the aggressor. This restraint, seen as both wise and mature, allowed Pakistan to garner global sympathy while preparing a precise and proportionate response. When the counterstrike came, it was devastating — not in scale, but in effect. Pakistan's military response was measured, disciplined, and surgically executed, exposing India's vulnerabilities without breaching international law or targeting civilians. Pakistan's advanced capabilities — especially in electronic warfare, missile guidance, and air defense—were not just noticed by India, but also by Washington. The United States, viewing India as a strategic ally and regional counterweight to China, was jolted by intelligence reports detailing the scope and sophistication of Pakistan's retaliation plans. The potential damage to India, had Pakistan fully unleashed its military might, was deemed catastrophic. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
8 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Leghari tells World Bank delegation: CTBCM to enter final phase in two months
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, has announced that the Competitive Trading Bilateral Contract Market (CTBCM) will enter its final implementation phase within the next two months. The Minister made this statement during a meeting with a high-level World Bank delegation, led by Ousmane Dione, the Regional Vice President for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. The Power Division had earlier informed representatives of nearly a dozen development partners that the commercial operations of CTBCM are expected to begin by the end of September 2025. CTBCM: Commercial operations may begin by Sept-end The long-awaited policy will allow Bulk Power Consumers (BPCs) — those with a demand of 1MW or more — to procure electricity through independent bilateral contracts with competitive suppliers, sources told Business Recorder. According to the Power Division, the framework for viable open access charges (wheeling) and a transparent mechanism for allocating wheeling quantum are in the final stages of development. The operationalization of the Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO) will play a critical role in facilitating CTBCM implementation. Minister Leghari explained that CTBCM will enable free trade of electricity within the market. Under this model, wheeling charges and other mechanisms are being introduced, while the government's role will be confined to regulation. He emphasized that the transition will be gradual, guided by a comprehensive strategy to ensure system stability. During the meeting, Leghari provided the World Bank delegation with a detailed briefing on Pakistan's energy reforms, including the net metering policy, privatization efforts, regulatory enhancements, and investment opportunities. He underscored that Pakistan's policy direction is clearly focused on encouraging private sector participation and enhancing transparency, with an open invitation to international investors to join this transformation. Ousmane Dione welcomed the energy sector reforms and highlighted the critical role of energy in national development. He reaffirmed the World Bank's continued support for Pakistan, emphasizing its commitment to fostering a sustainable, reliable, and investment-friendly energy system. The Federal Minister also presented the delegation with a comprehensive booklet detailing ongoing reforms in the energy sector and expressed optimism that the partnership between Pakistan and the World Bank would continue to strengthen. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
8 hours ago
- Business Recorder
PM tells World Bank delegation: India's IWT actions threaten key global pacts
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday slammed India's unilateral and unlawful actions affecting the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), warning that they pose a serious threat to key international agreements. In a meeting with Ousmane Dione, Vice President of the World Bank for MENAAP, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed what he described as the bank's 'principled' support for Pakistan's position on the water dispute with India. He reiterated Islamabad's demand for adherence to international law, portraying India's conduct as reckless and destabilising. 'We will not compromise on our water rights or regional stability,' said Sharif, calling for dialogue but emphasising the need for justice. Sharif offered strong praise to the World Bank for its longstanding partnership, specifically thanking Bank President Ajay Banga and former Pakistan Country Director Najy Benhassine for advancing the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF). The CPF, he noted, focuses on critical sectors such as energy, climate change, governance, and human capital – areas in which Pakistan is seeking urgent transformation. He also highlighted the World Bank's 'decisive' role during the catastrophic 2022 floods, which displaced millions. The bank's emergency funding, he said, was essential in kick-starting relief and reconstruction efforts. In a carefully worded response, Dione commended Sharif's reform agenda and acknowledged Pakistan's fragile yet ongoing macroeconomic recovery. He credited Sharif's government with restoring investor confidence and steering the country towards more inclusive growth. Both sides concluded the meeting with commitments to expand cooperation, with Dione describing the partnership as 'strategic' and long-term. But beneath the diplomatic formalities, Pakistan's message remained unambiguous: it will not remain silent while regional water security is put at risk. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
