Governor KP, Tajik envoy discuss CASA-1000, Wakhan Corridor

ISLAMABAD, Jul 22 (APP): Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Wednesday held a meeting with Tajikistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Yusuf Sharifzoda, to discuss the (Central Asia-South Asia) CASA-1000 energy project, the Wakhan Corridor, bilateral relations, trade, investment, tourism and other matters of mutual interest.

During the meeting, the Governor said the CASA-1000 project would not only help meet Pakistan’s electricity demand during the summer season but would also provide comparatively low-cost electricity.

Referring to the eighth session of the Pakistan-Tajikistan Joint Commission held in Dushanbe last month, Ambassador Sharifzoda said both countries had described the CASA-1000 project as vital for enhancing bilateral energy cooperation and strengthening regional connectivity.

He said the main reason behind the delay in completing the project was the slow pace of work in Afghanistan, adding that the project was now expected to be completed by the summer of 2027.

Governor Kundi said the establishment of a trade corridor through the Wakhan border would play a key role in connecting Pakistan with the Central Asian states and promoting regional trade.

He also stressed the need to enhance cooperation in the tourism sector, saying it would further strengthen bilateral ties while contributing to economic growth in both countries.

The Governor said direct passenger and cargo flights between Peshawar and Dushanbe would improve connectivity and facilitate stronger business-to-business relations between the two countries.

During the meeting, Ambassador Sharifzoda invited Governor Kundi to visit Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, in September.