ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday highlighted Pakistan’s growing importance as a regional transport and economic corridor, stressing that enhanced connectivity across the region will usher in a new era of trade and prosperity.
Addressing the closing session of the Regional Transport Ministers’ Conference, the premier described the event as a crucial forum for fostering dialogue and strengthening bilateral and regional partnerships.
“On behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, I extend a warm welcome to all delegates,” he said, emphasizing that mutual cooperation and shared progress were key to sustainable growth.
PM Shehbaz noted that global transport and connectivity systems are evolving rapidly, and Pakistan continues to hold a strategic position at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East particularly through initiatives linked to China’s Belt and Road framework.
He underscored the country’s robust infrastructure and geographic advantage, highlighting Gwadar’s extensive coastline and Karachi Port as vital components of the Maritime Silk Road. The prime minister added that Pakistan is now entering the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which will further enhance trade, investment, and regional integration.
“Increasing regional connectivity will bring about a revolution in the economic and trade sectors,” he remarked, pointing to major projects such as the Trans-Afghan Railway and the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul Corridor that are already progressing.
The premier stressed that cooperation in trade, economy, and energy could pave the way for a new chapter of shared prosperity. He also noted that in the digital age, the idea of connectivity extends beyond physical routes. “Today, connectivity is not confined to roads, railways, or air links. It also encompasses data flows and technological integration,” he said, referring to Pakistan’s continued investments in digital infrastructure.
Earlier, in a separate meeting with Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al-Thani, PM Shehbaz invited Qatari investors to explore opportunities under Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) framework. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to investor-friendly policies and economic reforms designed to attract foreign capital in key sectors, including energy, agriculture, food security, IT, tourism, and infrastructure development.
The Qatari minister, who is co-chairing the 6th Session of the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), conveyed warm greetings from Qatar’s leadership and reiterated Doha’s commitment to deepening economic engagement with Islamabad.
PM Shehbaz expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Qatar relations, grounded in shared faith, mutual respect, and growing economic collaboration. He also appreciated Qatar’s constructive role as a trusted regional partner and mediator.
Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination and transform their shared understanding into concrete outcomes, including greater business-to-business engagement and joint investment projects.
