Pakistan's Relations with the Central Asian States: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

The disintegration of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) caused five Central Asian states. The value of the Central Asian region increased, not decreased, due to the emergence of newly five CARs. Central Asian states are rich with natural resources and Pakistan considered it a chance and tried to cash its brotherhood identity to reach Central Asian states. Pakistan adopted a realistic approach towards the Central Asian region and extended its neighbourhood beyond South Asia. This research paper explores potentials that would be beneficial to enhance economic ties between Pakistan and CARs. Central Asian states have large reserves of natural objects and Pakistan has a vital geostrategic location. Pakistan can connect Central Asian states with the Middle East, Africa and other countries of Asia. Central Asian republics want to enhance their ties with Pakistan to extend their trade route via Gawadar port to the world. China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the game-changer project in the region. Central Asian states can get benefit by using this mega project. This paper explores the opportunities for the CARs and Pakistan to enhance trade ties and bring durable peace to the region. Pakistan is keen to extend its wings to Central Asia and CARs also want to use the port of Gawadar to nurture its trade with the world.