OPINION Vol.1, No.1 June 2013 - National Defence University

Infrastructural Development
It may be more appropriate to collectively identify particular transport corridors where maximum
countries could benefit.
Already tested Almaty – Karachi route should be utilized for trade with Central Asia as well as China.
Its current blockage at Hunza and future expansion needs attention.
Construction of infrastructure linking Gwadar port with inland networks needs no emphasis.
Efforts be geared up to construct jointly agreed Pak-Afghan-Tajik route.
Expansion and improvement of existing railway network is essential for cheaper trade.
Formulation of Regional Body / Mechanism. There is a need to allay the fears of some of the regional
states and formulate a separate mission-specific regional body and mechanism, with members from all states
of South and Central Asia.
Meeting External Challenges
All stakeholders should be taken on board before a final decision is taken on the trade terms with India.
Extra efforts are required to build Pak-Russia relations, in line with the national interests.
Iran needs to be engaged through bilateral as well as regional arrangement to ward off any competition
between Gwadar and Chabahar.
Regional Organizations
ECO should be made more effective by capitalizing on the already treaded path based on the principle
of mutuality of benefits.
Reorganizing SAARC. The countries of South Asia should implement SAFTA and animate SAARC,
including mandating it to resolve disputes.
Conclusion
The fact of the matter is that unless the security matrix is improved and persisting conflicts are
resolved, the complementary synergies between the Central and South Asian regions cannot be successfully
harnessed. These synergies are centered on the creation of a cooperative economic, energy and security grid.
Another reality is that improved economic activity contributes towards regional peace and stability. It is
beyond doubt that inter-regional cooperation in all its manifestations will present immense opportunities to
Pakistan.
Researchers:
Supervisor:
Chaudhry Zafar Amin, Cdre Raja Qamar, Brig Gen Shamsher (Nepal) and Lt Col Shahbaz
Cdre Hamid Hussain
Endnotes
1 “Modalities of The New Great Game”, McNair Paper, Number 47 Chapter 3, January 1996.
2 Arun Sahgal & Vinod Anand, “Strategic Environment in Central Asia and India”,
http://www.silkroadstudies.org/new/docs/publications/1004Joshi-V-Strategic.pdf, (accessed 1 October 2012).
3 The Greater Central Asia Partnership Initiative and its Impacts on Eurasian Security, http://www.turkishweekly.net/article/319/the-greater-centralasia-partnership-initiative-and-its-impacts-on-eurasian-security.html
(accessed 12 October 2012).
4 Fazal-ur-Rahman, “Prospects of Pakistan Becoming a Trade and Energy Corridor for China”, http://www.issi.org.pk/oldsite/ss_Detail.phpdataId=431
(accessed 1 October 2012).
5 Dr Pratibha Devendra, Economic Security in Central Asia: Role of India, New Delhi, KW Publishers Pvt Ltd, 2012, 352.
6 Sebastien Peyrouse, “The Hydroelectric Sector in Central Asia and the Growing Role of China”,
http://www.silkroadstudies.org/new/docs/CEF/Quarterly/May_2007/Peyrouse.pdf (accessed 4 October 2012).
7 Pakistan Energy Outlook (2010/11 to 2025/26), http://www.pip.org.pk/images/Outlook_Executive_Summary.pdf (accessed 4 October 2012).
8 Pakistan Economic Survey 2011-12, 195.
9 World Energy Outlook 2011.
10 Energy shortage: an unfortunate menace for Pakistan, http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-13-12995-Energy-shortage-an-unfortunatemenace-for-Pakistan
(accessed 24 September 2012).
11 Pakistan Economic Survey 2011-12, 203.
12 K. Warikoo, Central Asia and South Asia: Energy Cooperation and Transport Linkages, (Pentagon Press), 2011.
13 Amresh Chandra, “Geopolitics of Central Asian Energy Resources and Indian Interest”, Journal of Peace Studies, Vol. 16, Issue 1-2, January –
June 2009.
14 World Energy Outlook 2011.
OPINION Vol.1 No.1 9 June 2013