PM Shehbaz highlights Pakistan’s role as regional transport, economic hub

• Prime Minister Shehbaz says global connectivity systems are changing rapidly.
• Cooperation in trade, economy, energy will usher in a new era: PM.
• Prime Minister Shehbaz invites Qatari investors to explore SIFC opportunities.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s growing importance in regional transport and economic connectivity during his address at the concluding session of the Conference of Regional Transport Ministers.

He characterized the event as a vital platform for dialogue and strengthening of bilateral and regional relations.

“On behalf of the government and the people, I welcome all participating delegates,” said Prime Minister Shehbaz, stressing the importance of cooperation and mutual prosperity.

He pointed out that global transportation and connectivity systems are undergoing rapid changes, adding that Pakistan has long remained a key hub in the region, particularly under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Underscoring the strategic importance of the country’s infrastructure, the prime minister cited the vast coastal belt of Gwadar and the port of Karachi as integral parts of the Maritime Silk Road.

Prime Minister Shehbaz noted that Pakistan is entering the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which aims to boost trade, investment and economic integration.

“Increasing regional connectivity will revolutionize the economic and trade sector,” he said, adding that projects such as the Trans-Afghan Railway and the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul Railway Corridor are already underway.

He further emphasized that cooperation in trade, economy and energy will usher in a new era and that modern connectivity extends beyond physical routes.

“In the digital age, connectivity is not limited to roads, railways or air routes. Today, it is about data and technological integration,” said Prime Minister Shehbaz, highlighting Pakistan’s continued investment in digital infrastructure.

Earlier today, the prime minister highlighted the country’s investor-friendly policies while inviting Qatari investors to explore new avenues of cooperation under the government’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) framework.

The Prime Minister, in a meeting with Qatar’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al-Thani, underlined the importance of strengthening bilateral trade and investment cooperation, emphasizing opportunities in energy, agriculture, food security, information technology, tourism and infrastructure development.

The Qatari minister is visiting Pakistan to co-chair the 6th Session of the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC).

The Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction at the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Qatar relations, which are based on common faith, values ​​and mutual respect.

He also appreciated Qatar’s role as an important partner and influential regional mediator.

Sheikh Faisal conveyed warm greetings from Qatar’s leadership and reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to further deepen economic engagement with Pakistan.

He noted that the 6th MFA Session provided an important platform to review existing cooperation and identify new initiatives to promote mutually beneficial partnerships.

The prime minister conveyed Pakistan’s deep appreciation for Qatar’s consistent support on regional and global issues and reiterated Pakistan’s desire to enhance cooperation in regional and multilateral forums.

Both sides agreed to continue close coordination to translate joint understandings into tangible results, including greater facilitation of business-to-business linkages and investment projects.