PAKISTAN’S VISION FOR CENTRAL ASIA AND EFFORTS TO ENHANCE REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY THROUGH AFGHAN TRANSIT ROUTES

Abstract

Pakistan's Vision for Central Asia aims at promoting regional cooperation via political engagement, trade and investment, energy and transport connectivity, security cooperation and people-to-people contacts. The article looks at the role of Afghan transit routes in this policy, and explores why geographical proximity has not always meant reliable regional connectivity. The research relies on qualitative documentary review of published scholarship, institutional studies and official communications to reflect on road transit through Torkham and Chaman, Pakistani seaports, the proposed Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan railway and regional energy initiatives. As a dated illustration of operational uncertainty, documented evidence of border interruptions in 2025 and 2026 is included, not as a measure of corridor performance. The thematic focus is on transit governance, security and common interests, and commercial viability. The results differentiate between diplomatic agreements and progress in infrastructure and always available services. The article suggests improving existing routes, creating cross-border responsibilities, appraising significant projects based on credible demand and reporting on verifiable implementation milestones. Pakistan’s connectivity ambitions should be judged on the basis of reliable transport and energy services, and not on the basis of policy announcements or anticipated benefits alone.