By requiring valid passports and visas (one-document regime), Pakistan is moving toward a more regulated and transparent trade environment at the Torkham and Chaman borders. This helps ensure that Central Asian transit trade is handled through legal, documented channels, reducing revenue leakages.
1792
Which Pakistani airline resumed direct flights between Lahore and Tashkent in 2023-2024 to facilitate business travel?
Restoring air connectivity is essential for the 'Look Central Asia' policy. PIA resumed flights to Tashkent to cater to the growing number of businessmen and tourists, complementing the existing services by Uzbekistan Airways.
1793
In 2024, Pakistan and Uzbekistan signed an agreement for joint production in which industrial sector?
Uzbekistan has a robust agricultural machinery sector. In 2024, an agreement was reached to set up a joint venture in Pakistan to assemble Uzbek tractors, helping to modernize Pakistan's farming sector as part of the Green Pakistan Initiative.
1794
In 2024, Pakistan launched a 'Special Representative for Central Asia' office within the Foreign Office to focus on:
To institutionalize the 'Geo-economics' shift, a dedicated office was empowered to coordinate all aspects of the 'Look Central Asia' policy. This office works closely with the SIFC and the Ministry of Commerce to fast-track railway and road projects.
1795
In 2025, Pakistan and Uzbekistan agreed to cooperate on which 'New Silk Road' digital project?
As part of the 2024-2025 economic agenda, Pakistan and Uzbekistan are working to integrate their digital payment systems. This will allow traders from both nations to conduct seamless transactions, bypassing traditional banking hurdles and boosting the digital economy.
1796
Which organization's 'CHG' (Council of Heads of Government) meeting was hosted by Pakistan in October 2024, attended by Central Asian leaders?
Pakistan hosted the 23rd SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad in October 2024. This was a major diplomatic success, bringing together leaders from Russia, China, and the Central Asian Republics to discuss regional stability and economic integration.
1797
In 2024, Pakistan and Kazakhstan established a 'Joint Business Council' to increase trade in which primary sector?
Kazakhstan has shown significant interest in Pakistan's IT services and textile products. The Joint Business Council established in 2024 aims to facilitate B2B (Business-to-Business) meetings and remove non-tariff barriers, targeting a trade volume of $1 billion by 2027.
1798
What is the name of the $7 billion IMF program approved in 2024 that requires Pakistan to improve its trade competitiveness with regional partners?
The 37-month EFF approved in September 2024 mandates structural reforms to boost exports. Pakistan's strategy to meet these targets involves expanding its market share in Central Asia by finalizing transit trade agreements and reducing the cost of logistics through the Trans-Afghan railway.
1799
The 'Bishkek Incident' in May 2024, involving Pakistani students, led to high-level diplomatic engagements with which country?
The May 2024 mob violence in Bishkek targeting international students, including many from Pakistan, required urgent diplomatic intervention. Pakistan's Foreign Office engaged with the Kyrgyz government to ensure the safety of over 10,000 Pakistani students enrolled in medical universities there, highlighting the significance of educational links in the bilateral relationship.
1800
Which Central Asian country is the largest landlocked nation in the world and a major trade partner for Pakistan in the energy sector?
Kazakhstan, the world's largest landlocked country, is a key partner for Pakistan within the SCO and ECO. In 2024, both nations discussed long-term arrangements for the supply of crude oil and coal to Pakistan, leveraging Kazakh energy surpluses to stabilize Pakistan's industrial production.
