ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Tajikistan have taken significant steps to strengthen their bilateral relationship by signing two memorandums of understanding during the seventh session of the Pakistan-Tajikistan Joint Commission in Islamabad this week.
Power Minister Sardar Awais Leghari announced on Wednesday that both nations had agreed to form a joint coordination committee. This committee will tackle challenges in transit trade and boost Pakistan’s position as a key trade and transit hub for Central Asia.
In recent weeks, Pakistan has been actively engaging with Central Asian states through visits, investment discussions, and enhanced economic activities. Tajikistan, Pakistan’s closest Central Asian neighbor, shares a narrow 14km connection through the Wakhan corridor.
Khyber News reported the signing of two crucial agreements at the commission’s concluding meeting. The first memorandum establishes a historic partnership between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Tajikistan’s Khatlon province. This agreement aims to promote mutual development and cooperation. The second memorandum solidifies ties between the football federations of the two nations.
A business-to-business forum between Pakistan and Tajikistan is also scheduled for December 13 in Islamabad. Speaking at the commission alongside Tajik Energy Minister Mr.Shofaqir, Leghari emphasized the importance of exploring new opportunities in trade and economic collaboration.
“I’m glad that both sides have agreed to create a joint coordination committee under the transit trade agreement. This committee will address operational challenges and ensure smooth implementation of trade provisions,” Leghari said.
He expressed hope that the joint commission’s discussions would result in concrete recommendations to promote growth in trade, energy, agriculture, education, and industry. He also called for a clear action plan to increase trade volume by eliminating barriers and boosting economic activities.
According to Tajik Customs data, bilateral trade between Pakistan and Tajikistan reached $52.73 million in 2023, marking a 62.3% increase compared to the previous year.
Leghari invited Tajikistan to utilize all trade corridors connecting Dushanbe to Gwadar and Karachi under the Central Asian Regional Economic Cooperation program. He highlighted the unique opportunity presented by the Wakhan corridor for establishing direct connectivity.
The minister also discussed the $1.2 billion CASA-1000 energy project, which aims to deliver 1,300 megawatts of surplus electricity from Central Asia to South Asia. The project involves constructing a 1,227km transmission line linking Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
“I hope the remaining work on this vital energy project can be expedited. This will ensure mutual benefits for both nations in the power sector,” Leghari said.
These developments underscore the growing partnership between Pakistan and Tajikistan. The agreements and initiatives reflect their shared commitment to advancing regional connectivity and economic cooperation.
