Pakistan bypasses Afghanistan for trade with Central Asia via China and Iran.
Karachi, Pakistan – Pakistan has officially operationalized alternative trade corridors through China and Iran to access Central Asian Republics (CARs), marking a strategic shift to reduce its long-standing reliance on volatile Afghan transit routes.
The China and Iran corridors are no longer just alternatives; they are becoming the preferred routes for regional connectivity.
Sidelining Volatility for Stability
In a decisive move to secure its regional trade interests, Islamabad is no longer treating Afghanistan as the primary gateway to Central Asia. Persistent security risks, frequent border closures at Torkham and Chaman, and high informal levies have forced a recalibration of Pakistan’s connectivity strategy. By leveraging the Quadrilateral Traffic in Transit Agreement (QTTA) with China, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, Pakistan is now utilizing the Khunjerab Pass for more predictable logistics.
Simultaneously, the western flank has been strengthened through the Gabd-Rimdan crossing with Iran. This route, though marginally longer, offers lower insurance premiums and a more stable environment for commercial haulage.
A Milestone at the Roof of the World
The arrival of the Kyrgyz truck at Sost Dry Port, Pakistan’s highest dry port at 2,800 meters, serves as a proof of concept for the China-route’s viability. A news story published by Business Recorder noted that these parallel corridors are now being positioned as “preferred routes” rather than mere alternatives, reflecting a structural shift in how Pakistan views its northern and western economic borders.
Key Takeaways
• Pakistan activates parallel trade corridors via Khunjerab Pass and Gabd-Rimdan to bypass traditional, unpredictable Afghan routes.
• A landmark truck from Kyrgyzstan arrived at Sost Dry Port via China, signaling a new era of high-altitude regional connectivity.
• The Iran corridor was inaugurated with a frozen meat consignment from Karachi to Tashkent, utilizing the Gabd-Rimdan border crossing.
Disclaimer
This report is for informational purposes and does not necessarily reflect the views of ‘Money Matters Pakistan’. We welcome any corrections or alternative viewpoints from our readers to ensure a balanced perspective.
