Ahsan Iqbal Calls for Transformative Connectivity Linking China, Central Asia, and Pakistan
URUMQI, CHINA — December 2, 2025:
Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, presented a comprehensive new framework for Eurasian regional cooperation at the Tianshan Forum on Central Asia Economic Cooperation, urging a shift towards deeper geo-economic integration, modern connectivity, and shared prosperity across the region.
Addressing ministers, diplomats, scholars and regional leaders, the Minister said the Tianshan region—historic gateway of the ancient Silk Road—should now lead the revival of a modern, interconnected Eurasian economy.
“This is not a peripheral region; it is the heartland of the world’s future,” he noted, highlighting the strategic potential of China, Central Asia and South Asia, a bloc of 3.9 billion people with a combined GDP exceeding USD 25 trillion.
Quoting President Xi Jinping’s words that “development is the master key to solving all problems,” he said the Forum places development at the centre of regional collaboration, reflecting this vision in practice.
Ahsan Iqbal emphasized Pakistan’s transition from geopolitics to geo-economics, positioning the country as the most efficient and reliable connectivity hub linking Central Asia, China, the Middle East and global markets. He said Gwadar Port offers Central Asian states the shortest, fastest and most cost-effective maritime access, reducing transit time by up to 70%.
“Pakistan’s geography is not just strategic — it is a solution,” he said, inviting Central Asian countries to leverage Pakistan’s ports, infrastructure and industrial base.
Highlighting CPEC as a flagship of the Belt and Road Initiative, he noted that the corridor has added 8,000 MW to Pakistan’s power supply, built over 1,000 km of modern motorways, operationalized Gwadar Port, and laid the foundation for industrial zones, digital corridors and energy cooperation.
“CPEC proves how long-term vision, mutual trust and shared benefit produce real development,” he stated.
Pakistan also proposed a four-pillar cooperation plan for unlocking regional economic potential: a Joint Task Force on Connectivity & Trade Integration; Regional Special Economic Zones (R-SEZs); an Eurasian Energy & Green Transition Partnership; and a Digital Silk Road & Future Skills Alliance.
These proposals, he said, are “actionable, scalable, and aligned with the BRI, CPEC, and CAREC frameworks.”
He stressed the need for collective responses to climate change, energy insecurity, technological disruption and development financing gaps. Pakistan reaffirmed full support for China’s Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative — frameworks he said offer “equitable, inclusive and development-centered pathways for global cooperation.”
Concluding, Ahsan Iqbal said:
“If we choose connectivity over isolation and long-term vision over short-term interests, our region can become the world’s strategic economic centre.”
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening cooperation with China, Central Asian states and CAREC institutions, saying Pakistan stands “ready, committed, and optimistic” about a shared Eurasian future.
