Regional Corridors Must Be Transformed Into Next-Generation Economic Corridors: Ahsan Iqbal
Mian Nadeem
Published September 29, 2026 | 11:06 PM
An integrated system covering transport, logistics, digital connectivity, energy, and disaster protection is essential, while roads, modern border facilities, rail freight, dry ports, and seaports must be effectively linked to complete the transport chain, the federal minister told a conference.
Key Points:
- Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the need to transform regional corridors into next-generation economic corridors.
- He made these remarks at the 25th Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Conference.
- Iqbal signed a memorandum of understanding between the CAREC Capital Markets Development Forum and the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum.
Pakistan is poised to chair the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Conference in 2027 and host the 26th Ministerial Conference.
Iqbal expressed Pakistan's desire to connect Central Asia with the Arabian Sea through CAREC Corridors 5 and 6. He stressed:
“The question is no longer about trucks passing through, but about making the route reliable and profitable for business.”
Specific Actions Required:
- Establish an integrated system encompassing transport, logistics, digital connectivity, energy, and disaster protection.
- Efficiently connect roads, modern border facilities, rail freight, dry ports, and seaports to complete the transport chain.
- Leverage modern border facilities at Torkham and Chaman crossings to boost regional trade.
- Establish logistics and production hubs at strategic locations to convert transit traffic into exports and employment.
- Develop cold storage facilities, packaging units, warehouses, and light industries along the corridors to strengthen local economies.
Digital and Energy Integration:
- Establish a CAREC digital corridor in the region, utilizing Pakistan’s Single Window for regional digital trade integration.
- Foster regional energy cooperation to create shared economic growth opportunities.
Climate Resilience:
- Protect new roads, railways, and logistics infrastructure from climate risks like floods and extreme heat.
True Success:
A corridor will be truly successful when it not only facilitates the movement of goods but also offers investment, technology, energy, and employment opportunities. Local communities connected to the corridors must also become stakeholders in economic prosperity.