Islamabad: Azerbaijan has expressed a keen interest in investing in two pivotal motorway projects in Pakistan: the M6 (Sukkur-Hyderabad) and the M9 (Karachi-Hyderabad). This development, reported on November 29, highlights a growing collaboration between the two nations to enhance Pakistan’s transportation infrastructure.
High-Level Talks and G2G Investment Model
The interest from Azerbaijan follows a series of high-level discussions, initiated after Pakistani officials visited Azerbaijan. In a meeting chaired by Pakistan’s Minister for Investment, Privatisation, and Communications, Abdul Aleem Khan, the country’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Qasim Mohiuddin, unveiled Azerbaijani institutions’ intent to participate in these projects. The discussions emphasized a government-to-government (G2G) investment model to ensure streamlined cooperation and effective execution of these critical developments.
Key Highlights of the Motorway Projects
- M9 Motorway
- Length: 136 kilometres
- Connects Karachi to Hyderabad
- Plays a crucial role as a major link between two of Pakistan’s economic hubs.
- M6 Motorway
- Length: 306 kilometres
- Connects Sukkur to Hyderabad
- Expected to significantly enhance freight and passenger transport efficiency, supporting regional trade.
These projects are vital for boosting Pakistan’s internal connectivity, reducing travel times, and facilitating the seamless movement of goods and passengers.
Azerbaijan’s Role in Strengthening Regional Connectivity
Minister Abdul Aleem Khan stressed the importance of fostering investments from Central Asian nations, particularly Azerbaijan, to drive Pakistan’s infrastructure development. He highlighted how Azerbaijan’s involvement would not only strengthen bilateral economic ties but also improve Pakistan’s connectivity with Central Asia and Eastern Europe, bolstering the country’s position as a regional trade hub.
Pakistan’s Infrastructure Vision
The motorways form an integral part of Pakistan’s broader infrastructure strategy, aimed at:
- Enhancing national connectivity.
- Improving trade routes linking South Asia to Central Asia and beyond.
- Reducing logistics costs and ensuring the smooth transportation of goods between major economic centers.
Next Steps in the Collaboration
Pakistan plans to host Azerbaijani representatives in December to finalize cooperation agreements. The National Highway Authority (NHA), which oversees these projects, is actively engaging with Azerbaijani counterparts to ensure progress. This collaboration is expected to accelerate project timelines and provide a solid foundation for future partnerships in infrastructure and trade development.
Conclusion
Azerbaijan’s interest in Pakistan’s motorway projects underscores the potential for regional collaboration in transforming transportation networks. These initiatives not only promise to strengthen bilateral ties but also position Pakistan as a vital trade corridor in the region.
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