In a major push for regional connectivity, Pakistan and Russia have decided to build a strong network of roads and railways. The plan will link Pakistan to Central Asia and Russia. This initiative aims to give landlocked states direct access to warm waters through Pakistan’s ports.
The agreement was reached during a high-level meeting between Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan and Russia’s Deputy Minister of Transport Andrey Sergeyevich Nikitin. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) ministerial conference in Tianjin, China.
Both leaders stressed the urgent need for cross-border infrastructure development. They agreed that improving transport routes is key to economic growth across the region. The project will help turn Pakistan into a central trade hub by opening new transport linkages with Russia and Central Asia.
Minister Khan spoke about Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to modernise its transport system. He shared that new reforms include barrier-free motorways, digital e-tagging for vehicles, and full CCTV monitoring. These steps are part of a national plan to boost connectivity development and make trade flow faster and safer.
Deputy Minister Nikitin praised Pakistan’s vision and promised full Russian cooperation. He said Russia sees great potential in this partnership and is ready to work on joint projects to reshape regional trade integration.
The two sides also discussed wider goals of the SCO conference. Minister Khan led an active Pakistani delegation at the three-day event. China’s Minister of Transport Liu Wei welcomed the Pakistani team and appreciated their role in regional cooperation.
Pakistani officials met with delegates from several member states. In his address, Minister Khan highlighted key improvements in Pakistan’s communication sector. He reported a sharp rise in revenue from motorways and the National Highway Authority over the last 15 months.
He also spoke about strategic plans to improve trade routes with Afghanistan and China. Khan said Pakistan’s goal is to expand regional connectivity through better land access and modern infrastructure.
The Pakistani delegation included senior officials such as the federal secretary for communications. They made it clear that Islamabad sees transport and logistics as vital tools for boosting cross-border trade in the region.
Pakistan and Russia’s agreement marks a strong step toward transforming South and Central Asia’s economic map through improved regional connectivity.