ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Tajikistan have proposed a new international land corridor via Gilgit to bolster economic ties between the two states.

The development was revealed when Communication Minister Aleem Khan met Ambassador of Tajikistan to Pakistan Yusuf Toir on Tuesday.

An official press release issued by the Ministry of Communications said: “In a significant move to bolster economic ties, a proposal was presented to establish a direct land corridor from Pakistan to Tajikistan via Gilgit.”

The Tajik ambassador was informed that Pakistan was considering special concessional tariffs to Central Asian states to expand the volume of bilateral trade. During the meeting, extensive discussions was held on enhancing bilateral relations, regional land connectivity and trade cooperation.

Both sides emphasised the need for adapting to evolving regional dynamics through effective strategies.

On the current regional security situation, Aleem Khan condemned terrorism entering Pakistan from Afghanistan, terming it unacceptable and detrimental to regional peace and stability.

The minister remarked that by acting as a proxy for India, Afghanistan had demonstrated an obstructive stance that negatively impacts not only Pakistan but also the broader Central Asian region.

He reaffirmed that significant growth in international trade was contingent upon improving communication and transport infrastructure, noting that enhancing trade activities with Central Asian states would prove instrumental for Pakistan’s economic stability.

Ambassador Yusuf Toir expressed keen interest of Tajikistan’s 15 million people in developing closer cooperation with their 250 million brothers and sisters in Pakistan.

He said the establishment of new trade routes would open unprecedented avenues for economic activity and prosperity across the region.

The meeting concluded with a resolve to modernise trade routes and strengthen bilateral ties to achieve sustainable development.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to making Pak-Tajik cooperation more effective, ensuring that improved connectivity leads to shared prosperity for both nations and the wider region.

Published in Dawn, March 4th, 2026