Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Saturday that Pakistan’s geographical location is an asset that requires full exploration [1].
This push for connectivity is intended to unlock economic potential by positioning the country as a primary transit hub for neighboring regions. By enhancing port infrastructure, the government aims to attract more trade and investment from across Asia.
Speaking in Islamabad, Dar said, "Pakistan’s geographical location is an asset that needs to be fully explored, as the country lies at the crossroads of Central, South, and West Asia" [1]. He said that the strategic position of the nation provides a unique opportunity to facilitate regional trade flows.
Dar also said the need to improve port connectivity to maximize the benefits of this location [2]. The effort focuses on creating a more efficient logistics network that can handle increased volumes of cargo moving between the three mentioned regions.
According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the strategic geographical location of the country can only be fully utilized if the infrastructure supports seamless movement [2]. This includes not only the ports themselves but the inland connectivity that links these maritime gateways to the broader hinterland.
By focusing on these improvements, Dar said the country can better integrate into the global supply chain and strengthen its economic ties with neighboring states [1].
“"Pakistan’s geographical location is an asset that needs to be fully explored"”
The emphasis on port connectivity suggests a strategic pivot toward becoming a regional trade corridor. By leveraging its position between Central, South, and West Asia, Pakistan seeks to transition from a destination market to a transit hub, which could reduce trade deficits and increase foreign exchange through transit fees and logistics services.
