Pakistan Seeks Road Links to Central Asia Through China
Federal Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan has said Pakistan wants to build trade corridors through China to improve road links with Central Asian countries. The Pakistan Central Asia road links plan was raised during a meeting with Azerbaijan’s newly appointed ambassador to Pakistan, Irfan Davudov.
Khan told the ambassador that modern transport infrastructure matters for regional trade, and he called for fresh opportunities in trade and investment between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations, expand trade and promote cooperation in communications and infrastructure.
What was discussed in the meeting
The talks covered economic collaboration and joint ventures, alongside the wider goal of better road connectivity. Khan recalled his recent visit to Azerbaijan and spoke of optimism about expanding cooperation across economic sectors. He welcomed Davudov’s appointment and wished him success in his new role.
Davudov, in turn, reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to closer diplomatic and economic ties with Pakistan. He said he would build on the strong relationship set up by his predecessors. The meeting also recognised the work of former Azerbaijani ambassador Khazar Farhadov in strengthening ties between the two countries.
Both sides restated their commitment to a longstanding friendship, and the talks ended with a shared focus on practical cooperation rather than general statements.
Pakistan Central Asia road links: why a route through China matters
Central Asia sits beyond Pakistan’s north, but direct road access runs through difficult terrain and neighbouring states. A corridor through China would give Pakistani goods another route to Central Asian markets, and give Central Asian traders a path south towards Pakistan’s ports.
That is the prize behind the minister’s pitch. Better roads cut travel time and cost, and they make trade less dependent on any single crossing. For a country trying to lift exports and regional trade, each new corridor adds choice, and choice gives exporters room to plan.
The plan is still at the discussion stage. No route, timeline or funding detail was announced in the meeting, so the next test will be whether the talks turn into surveys, agreements or joint projects. The ambassador’s role will matter here, since new envoys often set the pace for the files they inherit.
Pakistan’s regional trade push has run alongside work at home on roads and cities. Rawalpindi Ring Road costs have risen sharply, while Pakistan Railways has declared a three-month emergency after a run of accidents. In other national news, Pakistan has rejected claims about arming Afghans, and Punjab’s college teaching intern merit list has been released.
Frequently asked questions
What did Abdul Aleem Khan propose?
He said Pakistan wants to establish trade corridors through China to improve road connectivity with Central Asian countries and expand regional commerce.
Who did he meet?
He met Azerbaijan’s newly appointed ambassador to Pakistan, Irfan Davudov, and discussed trade, investment, communications and infrastructure cooperation.
Was a route or timeline announced?
No. The meeting discussed the idea and cooperation in general terms, with no route, timeline or funding detail announced.
What happens next?
The two sides spoke of exploring trade and investment opportunities and joint ventures, so the next step will be whether the talks lead to concrete agreements or projects.
Source: ProPakistani.
