Pakistan Establishes Joint Group to Strengthen Gulf–China Connectivity

Islamabad, September 26, 2025 —

Pakistan has launched a new initiative to reinforce its role as a regional logistics hub, with Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, chairing a high-level meeting to chart out priority connectivity projects linking the Gulf, Central Asia, China, and beyond.

At the meeting, the minister announced the formation of a joint working group that will include the ministries of maritime affairs, communications, railways, and defence. The group will hold its first session next week to identify key projects, suggest regulatory reforms, and outline financing strategies for rapid execution.

Focus on Port Integration and Corridors

Deliberations centered on integrating Karachi Port, Port Qasim, and Gwadar Port with regional rail, road, and air transport corridors. The minister highlighted the importance of the ML-1 railway upgrade, which would enhance freight and passenger traffic between northern Pakistan and southern ports.

“We are not just drawing up project lists — this is about shaping a national roadmap for logistics and connectivity,” Junaid said. “Ports, shipping, aviation, IT, and trade facilitation must all be aligned to meet regional connectivity demands.”

New Partnerships and Infrastructure Plans

The meeting also reviewed fresh project proposals with Saudi Arabia, including:

• Development of Karachi–KSA and Gwadar–KSA Gateway Terminals
• Expansion of the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) fleet with Saudi cooperation
• Launch of direct shipping lines from Karachi to Jeddah and Gwadar to Dammam
• Establishment of 20 green ship recycling yards at Gaddani

Other ministries shared their own priorities, such as:

• Laying fiber optic cables along rail routes and strengthening submarine cable networks
• Speeding up completion of the M-6 motorway (Karachi–Sukkur) as a missing CPEC link
• Extending the M-10 motorway through the Khirthar mountains
• Advancing a $300 million feasibility study for a new oil terminal at Hub, part of PSO’s expansion

Building an Investment-Ready Roadmap

Closing the session, the minister urged all stakeholders to finalize an investment-focused plan that would attract global financing and secure Pakistan’s place as a “bridge economy” connecting the Gulf with China and Central Asia.