Pakistan to emerge as key player in regional connectivity: PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday highlighted Pakistan’s growing significance as a regional transport and economic hub, stressing that enhanced connectivity would transform trade and investment across the region.

Addressing the closing session of the Regional Transport Ministers’ Conference in Islamabad, the prime minister said that global transport and connectivity systems were evolving rapidly, and Pakistan’s strategic location positioned it as a vital link between regional economies.

“On behalf of the government and the people, I welcome all participating delegates,” he said, describing the event as a vital platform to promote dialogue and strengthen regional cooperation.

Shehbaz underscored Pakistan’s key role under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), citing Gwadar’s coastal belt and Karachi Port as crucial components of the Maritime Silk Road. He noted that the country had entered the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), aimed at boosting trade, investment, and regional integration.

“Increasing regional connectivity will bring a revolution in the economic and trade sectors,” the prime minister said, referring to ongoing projects such as the Trans-Afghan Railway and the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul Railway Corridor.

He added that modern connectivity extended beyond physical routes. “In the digital age, connectivity is not limited to roads, railways, or air routes. It now includes data and technological integration,” he said, highlighting Pakistan’s investments in digital infrastructure.