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ISLAMABAD, Oct 23 (APP):Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan on Thursday said that Pakistan is ready to play a leading role in transforming the region into a dynamic hub of trade, transit, and connectivity.
He made these remarks while addressing the inaugural session of the Regional Transport Ministers’ Conference 2025 at the Jinnah Convention Centre, where Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar inaugurated the two-day conference and RTMC-25 Expo. Federal Ministers for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar were also present on the occasion, said a press release.
Welcoming the distinguished guests, Abdul Aleem Khan highlighted that the presence of transport experts and policymakers from across the region underscored their collective commitment to deepening cooperation and enhancing regional connectivity.
The conference hosted by the Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, brings together Transport Ministers from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Iran, Belarus, Turkmenistan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, along with representatives from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), International Road Transport Union (IRU), and United Nations agencies.
Abdul Aleem Khan said the region shares a common vision of developing integrated transport systems that connect communities, promote trade, and foster mutual prosperity. “In today’s rapidly changing world, efficient transport systems are no longer a luxury but a necessity,” he stated.
Highlighting Pakistan’s strategic location at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, the Minister said the region is standing at a transformative juncture that offers both challenges and opportunities.
He also pointed out that Pakistan has made significant investments over the past decade to upgrade its infrastructure and modernize logistics. The development of an extensive network of Motorways, highways and transport corridors has facilitated the seamless movement of goods, reduced travel times and lowered trade costs, thereby strengthening Pakistan’s position as a key regional transit and connectivity hub. He added that the conference serves as a vital platform to identify priority transport routes, harmonize regulations and explore joint investments in major transport and logistics projects.
Concluding his address, the Federal Minister expressed confidence that the deliberations and discussions held during the conference would lead to innovative ideas, stronger partnerships, and tangible progress toward achieving the shared goal of enhanced regional connectivity.
Abdul Aleem Khan highlighted that the presence of transport experts and policymakers from across the region reflects their strong commitment to deepening cooperation and enhancing regional connectivity. He said the region shares a common vision of developing integrated transport systems to bring communities closer and promote shared prosperity.
Later, the Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan accompanied Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar visited the RTMC 25 Expo where various transport and infrastructure projects were showcased.
Prominent foreign dignitaries attending the main session included Ms. Farzaneh Sadegh, Minister of Roads and Urban Development of Iran; Abdulkadir Uraloglu, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of Türkiye; Abdul Latheef Mohamed, Minister of State for Transport of Maldives; Nurlun Sauranbayev, Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan; Dr. Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih, Vice Minister of Transport of Saudi Arabia; Rahman Hummatov, Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan; and Sergei Dubina, Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications of Belarus, Yagmyrov Kakajan, Head of International Relations and Logistics Department, Ministry of Automobile Trasnsport, Republic of Turkmenistan, Asad Majeed Khan, Secretary General of ECO, Umberto de Pretto, representative of IRU. Additionally, Dmitry Zverev, Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation and Mr. Choriyev Jasurbek Ergashevich, Deputy Minister of Transport of Uzbekistan, addressed the session via video conference.
The conference was also addressed by Muhammad Junaid Anwar, Minister of Maritime Affairs, and Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, Minister of Railways, who highlighted the importance of strengthening multimodal connectivity across road, rail and maritime sectors to ensure sustainable regional integration and economic growth.