Tashkent, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar emphasized the need to invigorate the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) through swift reforms, aiming to fully harness its potential. Addressing the 16th ECO Summit in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, he highlighted the transformative power of regional connectivity for economic and peace dividends.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Prime Minister Kakar applauded the corridor-based approach adopted by the ECO, noting its role in enhancing connectivity and driving economic growth in the region. He underscored the significance of corridor projects in creating a conducive environment for private sector expansion and investment opportunities.

The Prime Minister marked the operationalization of the Istanbul-Tehran-Islamabad corridor as a key development, and outlined Pakistan’s efforts in upgrading its rail and road infrastructure. He advocated for the notification of more border crossing points in the ECO region to streamline trade operations.

Prime Minister Kakar also recognized Afghanistan’s crucial role in regional connectivity, citing projects like CASA 100 and Trans Afghan railways as strategic investments. He expressed Pakistan’s commitment to collaborate with ECO countries in fostering a peaceful and interconnected Afghanistan.

The Prime Minister urged ECO member countries to sign the ECO trade agreement quota to boost regional trade. He also mentioned the establishment of a Special Investment Facilitation Council in Pakistan, designed as a single-window platform to drive cooperation in key sectors.

In his address, Prime Minister Kakar condemned the ongoing violence in Gaza, urging ECO members to advocate for a ceasefire and humanitarian assistance, and to hold Israel accountable as per UN Security Council resolutions. He also called for continued support from ECO countries for Kashmir’s right to self-determination in accordance with relevant UNSC resolutions.