Shehbaz Heads to ECO Summit as Regional Tensions Rise

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will attend the 17th Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, from July 3 to 4, where he will discuss trade, connectivity, energy cooperation, and sustainable development.

“During the summit, the prime minister will share Pakistan’s perspective on key regional and global challenges, reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to the ECO Vision 2025, and advocate for enhanced intra-regional trade, transport connectivity, energy cooperation, and sustainable development,” the foreign office said.

Sharif will also meet with ECO leaders on the sidelines of the summit, the statement read.

Pakistan, Iran and Turkiye, founded the Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD) organisation in 1964. Later, more states joined, and RCD evolved into ECO.

Its current members include Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

The 17th Summit is taking place when two key member states — Pakistan and Iran — are facing serious disruptions to trade and connectivity. India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a 1960 agreement that prohibits it from storing or diverting the flow of western rivers in a way that affects Pakistan’s downstream access. Pakistan, citing this suspension as an act of war, shut down overland trade routes, including the Wagah border, and banned all Indian air traffic through its airspace.

Tensions escalated further after India carried out airstrikes inside Pakistani territory, alleging Pakistan’s involvement in the Pahalgam attack. The Pakistan Air Force reportedly downed numerous Indian Rafales with its Chinese-made jets. 

Separately, the Iran-Israel conflict continues to affect the region’s energy and transport corridors and global oil supply chain. 

Read More

Afghanistan to attend as full member next Moscow Format meet

KABUL(BNA) Zamir Kabulov, Russian Foreign Ministry advisor and President Putin’s special envoy for Afghanistan, has confirmed that Afghanistan will participate as a full member in the next Moscow Format consultative meeting, scheduled for September or October 2025.

Kabulov made the remarks to TASS news agency following a UN-led working group on Afghanistan in Doha, Qatar. While the exact date has yet to be finalized, he said tradition dictates the Moscow Format will convene in autumn 2025, with Afghanistan taking part as a full member.

He added that discussions on the agenda and joint actions have already taken place with Russia’s ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov and regional allies.

Kabulov described the Islamic Emirate as Russia’s “real ally” in the fight against terrorism and called for comprehensive support for Kabul, noting the Emirate’s unprecedented campaign against ISIS as a credible contribution to global counterterrorism efforts.

He highlighted strong security coordination between Moscow and Kabul, and praised the Islamic Emirate for safeguarding the Russian embassy.

Kabulov also urged the United States and European Union to unfreeze Afghanistan’s assets, emphasizing that Afghan issues are solved not through conferences but through practical assistance. He called on the U.S. to release roughly $10 billion in Afghan funds and for Europe to return $2.5 billion currently frozen in Swiss banks under the guise of humanitarian aid.

He further stated that Afghanistan’s security situation has improved since the Western withdrawal. Following the Russian Supreme Court’s decision to lift the ban on the Islamic Emirate’s activities, Moscow is working to expand official ties with Kabul and open a new chapter of bilateral cooperation.

Meanwhile, Mawlawi Gul Hassan Hassan, the newly appointed ambassador and special representative of the Afghan Taliban to the Russian Federation, officially took office following an introductory meeting with embassy staff in Moscow.

According to the Foreign Ministry’s press office, Ambassador Hassan stressed his commitment to advancing embassy affairs with full dedication and close cooperation with his team.

The ministry called Russia’s official acceptance of the ambassador a significant step toward strengthening bilateral relations and expressed hope that this move will further expand political, economic, and other forms of cooperation between the two countries

Read More

Connectivity Opportunities in Asia

 

Here’s a brief overview of important Asian countries that could greatly benefit from improved connectivity, structured in a way that highlights their current status and the potential advantages of enhanced infrastructure and communication links.

1. China

Current Status:

China boasts one of the most extensive transportation networks in the world, including high-speed rail. However, regional disparities remain, with western provinces lagging behind.

Benefits of Better Connectivity:

Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): Strengthening links with neighboring countries can enhance trade routes and foster regional cooperation.

Environmental Sustainability: Improved connectivity can facilitate cleaner transport options and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Tourism Boost: Better infrastructure can promote tourism in less visited areas, contributing to local economies.

2. Pakistan

Current Status:

Pakistan has been investing in infrastructure through projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). However, many areas still lack adequate road and rail networks.

Benefits:

Economic Development: By connecting remote areas, local businesses can thrive, and job opportunities can increase.

Regional Trade: Enhanced connectivity can facilitate trade with neighboring countries, particularly India, Afghanistan, and Iran.

Disaster Response: Improved infrastructure can aid in more effective disaster management and response.

3. India

Current Status: India, the world's second-most populous country, has a rapidly growing economy and a vast network of railways, roads, and air travel. However, infrastructure disparities exist, especially in rural areas.

Benefits of Better Connectivity: 

Economic Growth: Improved transport and communication networks can facilitate trade, boost local businesses, and attract foreign investment.

Rural Development: Enhanced connectivity can help rural areas access markets, healthcare, and education, reducing urban migration and fostering balanced growth.

Digital Inclusion: Expanding internet and mobile connectivity can empower local entrepreneurs and improve access to information.

4. Bangladesh

Current Status: Bangladesh has made significant progress in improving its infrastructure, but challenges remain in road safety and public transport systems.

Benefits

Trade Enhancement: Improved ports and transport systems can boost exports, especially in the garment industry.

Urban-Rural Linkages: Better connectivity can reduce poverty by linking rural farmers to urban markets.

Social Development: Enhanced access to education and healthcare through improved transport can uplift communities.

5. Vietnam

Current Status: Vietnam has invested heavily in its infrastructure, particularly in urban areas. However, rural regions still face connectivity challenges.

Benefits

Economic Integration: Improved transport links can integrate Vietnam into regional supply chains, enhancing its competitive edge.

Tourism Growth: Better connectivity to tourist sites can bolster the tourism sector, a vital part of Vietnam's economy.

Sustainable Development: Enhancing public transport can support environmental goals and reduce urban congestion.

6. Thailand

Current Status: Thailand has a well-developed infrastructure network, but some areas remain under-resourced, particularly in the south.

Benefits 

Regional Economic Hub: Improved connectivity can establish Thailand as a regional logistics hub in Southeast Asia.

Enhanced Tourism: Better transport links can improve access to tourist destinations, increasing revenue from tourism.

Investment Attraction: A robust infrastructure can attract foreign investment, particularly in manufacturing and services.

7. Myanmar

Current Status: Myanmar is at a crossroads with ongoing political changes affecting its infrastructure development. Connectivity remains a significant challenge.

Benefits

Economic Opportunities: Improved infrastructure can facilitate investment and trade, boosting economic growth.

Social Stability: Better transport and communication can improve access to education and healthcare, promoting social cohesion.

Regional Integration: Enhanced connectivity can strengthen ties with ASEAN countries, fostering regional cooperation.

8. Philippines

Current Status: The Philippines is an archipelago with significant challenges in inter-island connectivity. Infrastructure investment is crucial for development.

Benefits of Better Connectivity:

Disaster Resilience: Improved infrastructure can enhance disaster preparedness and response, crucial in a disaster-prone region.

Economic Growth: Better connectivity can support local businesses and attract tourism, contributing to GDP growth.

Digital Economy: Expanding internet access can empower small businesses and improve access to global markets.

9. Sri Lanka

Current Status: Sri Lanka has made strides in infrastructure development, but rural areas still face connectivity challenges.

Benefits

Economic Diversification**: Improved transport networks can facilitate trade, agriculture, and tourism, diversifying the economy.

Social Mobility: Better connectivity can increase access to education and healthcare, improving quality of life.

Regional Cooperation: Enhanced connectivity can strengthen ties with India and other neighboring countries, fostering regional collaboration.

10. Nepal

Current Status: Nepal's mountainous terrain presents significant challenges for infrastructure development. Connectivity remains a critical issue for economic development.

Benefits

Tourism Development: Improved transport links can enhance access to tourist sites, boosting the tourism sector.

Trade Facilitation: Better connectivity with India and China can enhance trade opportunities and economic growth.

Rural Development: Improved access to markets can support smallholder farmers and enhance livelihoods.

Conclusion

Improving connectivity in these Asian countries can lead to significant economic, social, and environmental benefits. By investing in infrastructure, these nations can foster regional cooperation, enhance trade, and improve the quality of life for their citizens. Enhanced connectivity not only supports economic growth but also plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable development goals, making it a priority for policymakers across the region.

Read More