Baku: Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan took part in a high-level panel discussion at the Azerbaijan International Investment Forum in Baku, where he laid out Pakistan’s strategic initiatives aimed at promoting regional economic stability, enhancing trade connectivity, and advancing infrastructure development. Addressing an audience of distinguished international delegates, the minister acknowledged the pressing global macroeconomic challenges, such as inflationary pressures on fuel and maritime freight, as well as geopolitical disruptions impacting traditional trade routes. He noted that Pakistan has implemented proactive national austerity measures and stringent fiscal discipline to protect public finances and sustain economic resilience amid global uncertainties.
According to the Press Information Department, the Federal Minister stressed Pakistan’s role as a neutral diplomatic venue and constructive mediator in regional conflicts, aiming to de-escalate tensions and ensure the continuity of trade. Abdul Aleem Khan highlighted Pakistan’s strategic geoeconomic position as a reliable transshipment hub and safe haven for regional commerce, especially during ongoing regional conflicts. He emphasized that Pakistan’s deep-sea ports—Karachi Port, Port Qasim, and Gwadar Port—are fully operational to guarantee an uninterrupted global supply chain flow, noting that Karachi Port Trust alone managed over 54.68 million metric tons of cargo in the previous fiscal year.
The Minister detailed Pakistan’s infrastructure modernization efforts, outlining key motorway projects such as the M-6 Motorway, M-10, and MNJC Motorway, which are vital trade routes offering seamless connectivity to Western China and Central Asia. He also highlighted bilateral trade arrangements with Azerbaijan, supported by 1,500 annual reciprocal transport permits, linking Pakistani deep-sea ports directly to the South Caucasus and the Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor. Abdul Aleem Khan concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to expanding Public-Private Partnerships, embracing paperless TIR customs digitalization, and integrating the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor with the Economic Cooperation Organization, Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation, and Shanghai Cooperation Organization networks to establish a lasting Eurasian economic bridge.
The panel discussion also included key international dignitaries, such as Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov and Türkiye’s Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Simsek. Economic ministers and senior leaders from Uzbekistan, North Macedonia, Syria, Tajikistan, and Montenegro also participated in the high-level dialogue.