ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs has welcomed the recent mutual defence and security cooperation agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, expressing confidence that it will strengthen bilateral relations.
Chaired by Ms Hina Rabbani Khar on Tuesday, the committee meeting reviewed ongoing initiatives to enhance trade and connectivity with Central Asian states, as well as Pakistan’s recent diplomatic engagements globally and regionally.
During a briefing on regional connectivity, the committee learned about potential trade and transit routes that could position Pakistan as a regional hub, provided operational challenges are addressed.
Foreign Office officials outlined major 21st-Century connectivity projects Pakistan is pursuing, such as the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), CASA-1000, the TAPI gas pipeline and the Karakoram Highway expansion.
The committee was informed that nine agreements have been signed with Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Iran, Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan to strengthen cooperation. The two major energy corridor projects, CASA-1000 and TAPI, are part of these initiatives.
Officials noted that while Pakistan’s bilateral trade with Central Asian states stands at $2.4 billion, the absence of Pakistani bank branches in these countries hampers financial transactions. Long-standing issues concerning drivers’ visas also remain unresolved, necessitating a formal policy framework. Security concerns with Afghanistan and Iran were highlighted as key barriers to regional trade.
Currently, only the National Logistics Cell (NLC) is engaged in transporting goods to Central Asia. NLC representatives informed the committee that Pakistan-China bilateral trade has been suspended for the past two months due to a strike by local traders in Gilgit-Baltistan, leaving 64 NLC trucks stranded. They added that Turkmen authorities are currently refusing visas to Pakistani drivers, creating another hurdle.
Commenting on the briefing, Chairperson Hina Rabbani Khar observed that while some geopolitical realities are unchangeable, consistent policy and decision-making can strengthen Pakistan’s position as a credible trade and transit partner. The committee further underscored the importance of prioritising projects based on their viability.
On the agenda of diplomatic engagements, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) briefed the committee that Pakistan has seen a noticeable increase in its diplomatic outreach despite global uncertainties. Recent regional developments have bolstered the trust of partner countries, reaffirming Pakistan’s role in regional and international affairs.