ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to regional economic integration, urging a shift from political hostility to cooperation.
Speaking at a book launch at the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI), he emphasized the need to move from aspiration to action on the East-West Economic Corridor, linking Central Asia, Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and India through trade, transport, and digital connectivity. The corridor forms a key part of Pakistan’s ‘Uraan Pakistan’ geo-economic strategy.
Ahsan highlighted Pakistan’s progress, including upgrades to Gwadar Port, expansion of the ML-1 railway, and digitizing border crossings. However, he stressed regional peace as essential for trade, criticizing India’s unilateral moves such as the revocation of Article 370, the stalled SAARC process, and suspending parts of the Indus Waters Treaty.
“These actions reflect an irresponsible attitude toward cooperation,” he said. “Corridors cannot grow while borders are blocked.”
Despite challenges, Pakistan has shown restraint, quickly resuming Afghan transit trade amid tensions. Ahsan noted trust as the foundation for connectivity, contrasting Pakistan’s approach with India’s pattern of escalating tensions around elections.
He cited the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a successful example, advocating transparency, inclusivity, and strategic alignment for future projects. Urging regional leaders to rise above animosities, he said, “Without peace, there will be no prosperity.”
