• Says cooperation in trade and economic spheres is ‘win-win proposition’
• Urges Qatari investors to explore opportunities in country
• Lauds polio workers for resilience in face of security challenges

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said Pakistan could play a pivotal role in regional progress due to its strategic location at the junction of China, Central Asia, and the Middle East, leaving the country ideally placed to act as a potential bridge for trade and investment.

Addressing the concluding session of the two-day Regional Transport Ministers Conference here, the premier highlighted the significance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and transnational rail and road projects.

The premier said the connectivity projects would synergise the economic strengths of regional countries and usher in a new era of enhanced trade, economic and energy cooperation in the region and beyond.

“Cooperation in the trade and economic spheres is a win-win proposition, offering rich dividends to all,” the prime minister said.

“This would strengthen our common stake in peace and reinforce development efforts in the region. Let us together sow the seeds of cooperation to reap the fruits of development and prosperity for our people, our region, and beyond.”

Hosted by the Communications Ministry under the theme “Re­­gio­nal Connectivity: Opportunities for the Region,” the conference saw the participation of transport ministers and delegates from 20 countries, as well as representatives from international organisations including the Asian Development Bank, Eco­nomic Cooperation Organisation, Inter­national Road Transport Union, and United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific.

PM Shehbaz said that for centuries, the territory of present-day Pakistan had thrived on connectivity, from the ancient Silk Road to the contemporary Belt and Road Initiative, making the region a conduit of commerce and opportunity.

“Today, shifting geopolitical dynamics and the growing dominance of economic priorities have breathed new life into this ancient corridor, transforming it from a relic of the past into a strategic necessity for our future,” he added.

Highlighting Pakistan’s geography, the premier said the country links the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf while connecting China, Central Asia, and the broader Middle East.

He also noted that Pakistan’s ports at Gwadar and Karachi are key transit points on the maritime Silk Road.

The prime minister said the country was working on a number of rail connectivity projects, including the Trans Afghan Railways and the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul connectivity, as well as enhanced air links to Central Asian Republics, along with frameworks such as the TIR Convention.

Saying that connectivity was not just limited to roads, railways and air links but also about data, innovation, and technological integration, PM Shehbaz said that Pakistan was investing in digital infrastructure to catch up with the fourth industrial revolution.

Emphasising the country’s demographic advantage, he said that 60 per cent of Pakistan’s population is between 15 and 30 years old, calling the youth “our greatest asset” set to drive the nation’s progress.

Later, PM Shehbaz visited the exhibition stalls set up by the National Logistics Corporation, National Highway Authority, and Pakistan Railways.

Qataris to explore opportunities

Also on Friday, PM Shehbaz invited Qatari investors to “explore new avenues of collaboration” under the government’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) framework, set up in 2023 to facilitate foreign investment.

During a meeting with Minister of Com­merce and Industry of Qatar Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al-Thani, the PM highlighted opportunities in energy, agriculture, food security, information technology, tourism, and infrastructure development, stressing the importance of enhancing bilateral trade and investment cooperation.

The minister is visiting Pakistan to co-chair the 6th Session of Pakistan-Qatar Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC).

Both sides agreed to continue close coordination to translate shared understandings into tangible outcomes, including greater facilitation for business-to-business linkages and investment projects.

Polio workers lauded

Addressing a separate ceremony held in connection with the World Polio Day, the prime minister lauded polio workers for their resilience in the face of security challenges.

“Let’s brace ourselves and accept the challenge, and achieve the trophy we are all aiming for,” he said, while distributing appreciation shields among the workers.

“If the whole world can become polio-free except Pakistan and our neighbouring country [Afghan­istan], I think it’s a moment of introspection.”

He also thanked Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for contributing around half a billion dollars in collaboration with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to support polio eradication over the coming years.

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2025