Regional Connectivity
Regional Connectivity: Gwadar has long been Pakistan’s biggest dream for economic growth. The government often sees it as the key to improving the economy through trade. However, the port has not reached its expected potential. The nearby economic zone has also failed to attract enough investors.
Pakistan-Iran Trade
Pakistan recently helped improve communication between Iran and the United States. This created hope for stronger economic ties with Iran. In 2008, Pakistan and Iran signed a road transport agreement. Pakistan later offered Iran several trade routes through Gwadar, Karachi, Port Qasim, Ormara, Pasni, Taftan, and other cities. These routes can lower transport costs and increase trade in the Makran region.
Iran Cargo Reforms
After Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian visited Pakistan, the Federal Board of Revenue introduced new rules for Iran-bound cargo. The new system allows easier cargo transfers at Pakistani ports. It will likely benefit Gwadar, Makran, and border trade with Iran. Iran has often used the Strait of Hormuz as a strategic tool. However, restrictions on the strait also hurt Iran by reducing its oil exports and causing heavy financial losses.
Regional Trade
Recent tensions in the Gulf have shown the need for alternative trade routes. Iran needs new trade corridors because of regional and international pressure. Pakistan can provide these routes because of its location. Pakistan also belongs to new regional partnerships. These partnerships may create challenges for closer ties with Iran. Even so, Pakistan can still expand trade while keeping its political options open.
Strategic Interests
Pakistan has several reasons to increase economic cooperation with Iran. It wants better border security. It also wants to deal with problems linked to Afghanistan and the Baloch insurgency. Pakistan hopes to complete the long-delayed gas pipeline. It also wants another route to Central Asia.
For many years, Pakistan planned to reach Central Asia through Afghanistan. Terrorism and poor relations with Kabul weakened this plan. Pakistan’s military leaders became frustrated with the security situation. As a result, they placed this goal on hold.
Strategic Plans
Pakistan’s strategic planners have often presented ambitious projects. Since the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan, they have proposed many trade, energy, and transport corridors. They also wanted stronger political and defence ties with Central Asia. However, most of these plans never became reality.
Uraan Pakistan
The government launched the Uraan Pakistan plan to grow the economy. It aims to make Pakistan a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2035. It also hopes to make Pakistan a higher-income country by 2047. Officials have proposed three major trade routes. The Blue-Gold Corridor would connect Gwadar with Central Asia through Chagai, Herat, and Tashkent. Another route would connect Gwadar with Mashhad in Iran. This route would use Iran’s existing infrastructure. A third route would link Gwadar with Kashgar through Islamabad under CPEC.
Future Challenges
These plans look impressive on paper. However, turning them into reality will be difficult. China has become less interested in Gwadar and CPEC. Security problems, government delays, and weak planning have reduced its confidence. Pakistan must solve these problems to make the projects successful.
Big dreams alone cannot bring success. Pakistan also needs careful planning, strong institutions, and consistent policies. These steps can turn ideas into real achievements.
Past Lessons
Some analysts believe Pakistan’s leaders focus too much on grand ideas. They admire the vision of Allama Muhammad Iqbal. However, they often ignore the practical approach of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. As a result, they create ambitious plans but pay less attention to implementation.
Pakistan has replaced several failed plans with new ones over the years. It once hoped to increase trade with India. Later, it expected to reach Central Asia through Afghanistan after the Taliban returned to power in 2021. However, terrorism and the Taliban’s failure to control the TTP and other militant groups ended that hope.
Future Outlook
Pakistan now sees Iran as its main gateway to Central Asia. It has already started sending cargo to Uzbekistan through Iran. The future of the Middle East remains uncertain. Pakistan also faces an uncertain regional role. Still, it hopes the Blue-Gold Corridor will become a lasting success instead of another unfulfilled dream.
Published in Dawn, 29th June 2026
