ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday called for accelerated work on a proposed digital corridor that would route secure, high-speed connectivity for Central Asia through its Internet gateways, urging member states and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to launch a joint working group to begin feasibility, design and financing discussions.
The initiative comes as Central Asian economies look for reliable digital pathways to global networks amid shifting regional trade patterns, strained border dynamics and a broader push to modernize transit systems. Pakistan says recent reforms in border management, digital transit tools and payment infrastructure have strengthened its position as a southern connectivity hub for the region.
Pakistan outlined its position on the matter at the 24th Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Ministerial Conference in Bishkek, where member states reviewed digital integration and regional connectivity plans.
Representing Pakistan, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan said the South Asian nation recognized the strategic importance of the proposed corridor and was ready to advance it with partners.
“Pakistan is fully open to close collaboration with ADB and interested member countries on advancing the feasibility, design and financing of this initiative,” the minister was quoted as saying in an official statement. “I encourage the early establishment of a joint working group to steer the process under CAREC’s digital agenda.”
He pointed to reforms Pakistan has undertaken to modernize trade and transit systems, including the new Land Port Authority Act, which centralizes border management under one body; the expansion of the TIR/eTIR system, an international regime that allows sealed, paperless transit of goods across borders; the rollout of electronic certificates through the Pakistan Single Window to simplify customs procedures; and the growing use of RAAST, Pakistan’s real-time digital payment network that supports faster, more secure commercial transactions.
Together, Khan said, these measures strengthen Pakistan’s readiness for deeper regional digital integration.
He also welcomed the Asian Development Bank’s new Climate and Sustainability Project Preparatory Fund (CSPPF), calling for climate financing models that reflect differing levels of vulnerability across the region and prioritize adaptation. The facility was created to help CAREC member countries prepare, design and structure climate-related projects.
Pakistan, one of the world’s most climate-exposed countries, has urged concessional resources to help operationalize the climate fund.
