Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has called for stronger regional connectivity through expanded trade corridors, direct flights, and improved land routes, describing them as essential for boosting economic cooperation and prosperity across regional states.
Speaking at the “New Silk Way Forum” in Almaty during a high-level Roundtable Conference of Transport Ministers from 12 countries, the minister said that Central Asian States act as a gateway for Pakistan to access Europe, but realizing this potential requires robust transport and communication linkages.
He urged participating nations to ease travel for their citizens and business communities, enabling them to move freely, explore investment opportunities, and generate mutual benefits.
Abdul Aleem Khan announced that Pakistan will host the Regional Transport Ministers’ Conference in Islamabad on October 23–24, inviting all member states to join the event. He stressed that expanding land connectivity is inevitable to enhance trade volumes and reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to play a constructive role in this effort.
Highlighting recent high-level visits of Kazakhstan’s Vice President and ministers to Pakistan, Khan termed them highly productive and said forums like the Silk Way provide valuable opportunities to exchange experiences and deepen cooperation.
On the sidelines of the forum, the minister held a bilateral meeting with Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu. During the meeting, Khan invited him to attend the Islamabad conference and encouraged Turkish companies to invest in Pakistan’s transport and corridor projects, noting that joint ventures would bring wide-ranging benefits.
Minister Uraloğlu responded positively, expressing Türkiye’s strong interest in expanding investment and partnerships with Pakistan, and reaffirmed the Turkish people’s deep goodwill. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and other regional connectivity initiatives, acknowledging that Türkiye’s involvement would significantly strengthen regional transport frameworks.
Concluding his engagements, Abdul Aleem Khan said enhanced partnership between Pakistan and Türkiye could open new avenues of progress in trade and economic development, benefiting the entire region.
