Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan\u2019s commitment to regional economic integration, calling for an urgent shift from political hostilities to mutual cooperation.
\nAddressing a book launch ceremony titled \u201cExamining the Feasibility of an East-West Economic Corridor for South & Central Asia,\u201d here at the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI), he outlined Pakistan\u2019s strategic vision to transform South and Central Asia through connectivity projects that transcend borders and unlock the region\u2019s economic potential.
\n\u201cThe idea of an East-West Economic Corridor is not new,\u201d he said, suggesting that it was time to move from aspiration to action, as this required political will and mutual trust.<\/p>\n
The corridor, he said, envisioned linking Central Asia, Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and India through trade, transport, and digital connectivity and was seen as a key pillar in Pakistan\u2019s geo-economic development agenda under the national strategy \u2018Uraan Pakistan\u2019.
\nHe said that Pakistan has already begun laying the groundwork by upgrading the Gwadar deep seaport, expanding the ML-1 railway line, and digitizing border crossings with Afghanistan and Central Asia.
\nHowever, the minister emphasized that regional peace was a prerequisite for regional trade. \u201cConnectivity cannot thrive in an environment of coercion, occupation and hegemonic ambition,\u201d he said, reiterating \u201cPakistan stands for peaceful coexistence, regional integration, and mutually beneficial cooperation.\u201d
\nHe said that it was India that had sabotaged integration efforts through unilateral actions, citing the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, the prolonged deadlock of the SAARC process since 2016, and India\u2019s recent suspension of its obligations under the Indus Waters Treaty, a decades-old accord that has survived wars.
\n\u201cThese actions reflect an irresponsible and inconsistent attitude towards regional cooperation,\u201d the minister said, adding, \u201cCorridors cannot grow while borders are blocked. Access to markets cannot happen when treaties are suspended.\u201d
\nDespite these challenges, the minister said Pakistan has shown maturity and restraint. \u201cEven during recent tensions, we resumed Afghan transit trade quickly, a gesture of goodwill and regional responsibility,\u201d he said.
\nAhsan Iqbal noted that connectivity could not operate in a vacuum, saying \u201cIt requires trust, and trust cannot be built with fencing, fire, or force. It must come through honest engagement and responsible statecraft.\u201d
\nHighlighting the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a successful model, he noted how Pakistan\u2019s collaboration with China had created a modern transportation network, revitalized energy systems, and delivered tangible development.
\nHe stressed that the same principles including transparency, inclusivity and strategic alignment should guide future regional projects.
\n\u201cPakistan welcomes the participation of all partners, regional or global, in such initiatives, as long as engagements are based on mutual respect and shared benefit.\u201d
\nThe minister cited global examples to argue that trade could coexist with political differences. \u201cLook at the United States and China. Despite strategic differences, they are each other\u2019s largest trading partners. The key difference is that neither has violated the other\u2019s sovereignty or suspended binding treaties.\u201d
\nHe said anti-Pakistan sentiment was routinely used by India to fuel electoral narratives. \u201cEvery time India approaches an election, we see a surge in border tensions and hate speech. This is not the sign of a confident nation. It\u2019s a sign of deep insecurity.\u201d
\nHe described this as a recurring psychological pattern. \u201cWith a 77-year-old state like Pakistan, we have never needed to vilify others to win elections. But India, with thousands of years of civilizational history, seems gripped by paranoia.\u201d<\/p>\n
He urged regional leaders to rise above old animosities as this was not just about India and Pakistan but for future of South Asia, reminding \u201cWithout peace, there will be no prosperity.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan\u2019s commitment to regional economic integration, calling for an urgent shift from political hostilities to mutual cooperation. Addressing a book launch ceremony titled \u201cExamining the Feasibility of an East-West Economic Corridor for South & Central Asia,\u201d here at the Islamabad Policy Research […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":472009,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-481086","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-top-news"},"yoast_head":"\n