- Premier Shehbaz urges deeper regional integration for peace and growth
- Highlights Pakistan’s pivotal geography linking key economic corridors, saying cooperation in trade, economy offers ‘rich dividends’ to all
- Emphasizes ‘CPEC 2.0’ focus on business partnerships and new investments, vows to harness Pakistan’s youthful population as a driver of progress
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening regional economic integration, calling trade and transport cooperation among regional states a “win-win proposition” that promises “rich dividends” and lasting peace for all.
Addressing the Regional Transport Ministers’ Conference in Islamabad, the premier underscored that shared prosperity depended on collective development and stronger economic linkages across borders.
” Together we would sow the seed of cooperation so that we may harvest the fruits of development and prosperity for our people and the region beyond. May Allah Almighty give us the guidance and strength to work together very closely and move in unison in future to make this… pic.twitter.com/L6oqgTmtDt
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) October 24, 2025
“It cannot be stressed enough that cooperation in trade and economic spheres is a win-win proposition, offering rich dividends to all. This would strengthen our common stake in peace and reinforce efforts for development in the region,” he said.
The two-day conference, which began Thursday, has drawn transport ministers and senior officials from Türkiye, Sri Lanka, Iran, Maldives, Turkmenistan, Saudi Arabia, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Russia, and Kazakhstan—reflecting a growing regional consensus on expanding connectivity and trade corridors.
Highlighting Pakistan’s strategic location, the prime minister said the country served as a natural bridge between South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
“We are now entering into the second and very exciting phase of CPEC 2.0, centred and based on fostering business-to-business partnerships, strengthening investment opportunities for Chinese companies in Pakistan, as well as from friendly and brotherly countries sitting on this… pic.twitter.com/qK6tIq9ZGZ
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) October 24, 2025
“Our geography links the warm waters of the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf to the majestic Karakoram and Himalayan ranges, flowing through the timeless Indus Valley,” he noted, adding that Pakistan’s long coastline — including the ports of Gwadar and Karachi — positions it as a key transit hub on the maritime Silk Road.
Reflecting on the origins of Pakistan’s connectivity vision, the prime minister credited former premier Nawaz Sharif for initiating the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) — a transformative project that has “connected markets and brought people together across China, Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East.”
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in a group photo with world leaders at the Regional Transport Ministers’ Conference in Islamabad. pic.twitter.com/hGfmRZ8CtR
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) October 24, 2025
He said CPEC’s first phase had laid the foundation for regional trade and energy cooperation, while the upcoming “CPEC 2.0” would focus on business-to-business partnerships and enhanced investment opportunities not only for Chinese enterprises but also for “friendly and brotherly countries” represented at the conference.
PM Shehbaz also emphasized that in the digital age, connectivity must go beyond roads, railways, and air links to include data exchange, innovation, research, and technological integration. He said Pakistan was investing heavily in digital infrastructure to equip itself for the ongoing Fourth Industrial Revolution, noting that 60 percent of Pakistan’s population is aged between 15 and 30 years.
“I am aptly reminded of the vision and foresight of my leader, Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, who staunchly believed that peace and development are intertwined.
One of his earliest initiatives, after assuming power back in June 2013, was the signing of the… pic.twitter.com/YKjErtTfdc
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) October 24, 2025
“It is a huge challenge but also a tremendous opportunity,” he said. “If we can provide our young men and women with opportunities in IT, artificial intelligence, and vocational training, they will become our greatest asset.”
The prime minister said Pakistan might lack “black gold,” but its youth were the true drivers of progress.
“Our youth will become the harbinger of Pakistan’s speedy progress and prosperity in the years ahead,” he said.
