Islamabad: The two-day Regional Transport Ministers’ Conference 2025 and Expo was inaugurated by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, hosting the Conference while Federal Minister for Railway Hanif Abbasi and Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwaar were present. Ministers of Transport from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Iran, Belarus, Turkmenistan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives are participating in the event along with representatives from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), International Road Transport Union (IRU), and United Nations agencies. Addressing the inaugural session, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar highlighted that Pakistan’s geographic location makes it a natural hub for regional connectivity. He said Pakistan serves as a bridge linking South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and China playing a pivotal role in fostering regional cooperation, trade, and stability. He further stated that Pakistan’s vision is to connect the region with the global economy through road, rail, air, maritime, energy, and digital corridors, transforming geographic connectivity into tangible economic opportunities.
Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has expressed confidence that the region can be transformed into a dynamic hub of trade and connectivity. He made these remarks while addressing the opening ceremony of the Regional Transport Ministers’ Conference held at the Jinnah Convention Centre on Thursday. Welcoming the distinguished guests, Abdul Aleem Khan highlighted that the presence of transport experts and policymakers from across the region underscored their collective commitment to deepening cooperation and enhancing regional connectivity. He said that the region shares a common vision of developing integrated transport systems to bring communities closer and boost mutual prosperity. The Minister noted that in today’s rapidly changing world, efficient transport systems are no longer a luxury but a necessity. He emphasized that, situated at the crossroads of Asia, Europe and the Middle East, the region stands at a transformative moment one that presents both challenges and opportunities. Abdul Aleem Khan also pointed out that Pakistan has made significant investments over the past decade to upgrade its infrastructure and modernize logistics. The development of an extensive network of Motorways, highways and transport corridors has facilitated the seamless movement of goods, reduced travel times and lowered trade costs, thereby strengthening Pakistan’s position as a key regional transit and connectivity hub. He added that the conference serves as a vital platform to identify priority transport routes, harmonize regulations and explore joint investments in major transport and logistics projects. Concluding his address, the Federal Minister expressed confidence that the deliberations and discussions held during the conference would lead to innovative ideas, stronger partnerships, and tangible progress toward achieving the shared goal of enhanced regional connectivity. Abdul Aleem Khan highlighted that the presence of transport experts and policymakers from across the region reflects their strong commitment to deepening cooperation and enhancing regional connectivity. He said the region shares a common vision of developing integrated transport systems to bring communities closer and promote shared prosperity.
Later, the Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan accompanied Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Ishaq Dar on a visit to the RTMC 25 Expo where various transport and infrastructure projects were showcased. Prominent foreign dignitaries attending the main session included Ms. Farzaneh Sadegh, Minister of Roads and Urban Development of Iran; Mr. Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of Türkiye; Mr. Abdul Latheef Mohamed, Minister of State for Transport of Maldives; Mr. Nurlun Sauranbayev, Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan; Dr. Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih, Vice Minister of Transport of Saudi Arabia; Mr. Rahman Hummatov, Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan; and Mr. Sergei Dubina, Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications of Belarus, Mr. Yagmyrov Kakajan, Head of International Relations and Logistics Department, Ministry of Automobile Trasnsport, Republic of Turkmenistan, Mr. Asad Majeed Khan, Secretary General of ECO, Mr. Umberto de Pretto, representative of IRU. Additionally, Mr. Dmitry Zverev, Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation and Mr. Choriyev Jasurbek Ergashevich, Deputy Minister of Transport of Uzbekistan, addressed the session via video conference. The conference was also addressed by Mr. Muhammad Junaid Anwar, Minister of Maritime Affairs, and Mr. Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, Minister of Railways, who highlighted the importance of strengthening multimodal connectivity across road, rail and maritime sectors to ensure sustainable regional integration and economic growth.
