Comment by Riaz Haq on June 30, 2026 at 7:11pm

How Pakistan is Reshaping Eurasian Trade Corridors - Caspianpost.com

https://caspianpost.com/regions/how-pakistan-is-reshaping-eurasian-...

Pakistan has approved and operationalized new land routes to connect Central Asian markets to Pakistani ports and beyond, utilizing strategic corridors through Iran and China to bypass Afghanistan entirely. 

This shift was solidified in April 2026 when Pakistan Customs launched the first export consignment from the Karachi Export Processing Zone to Kyrgyzstan via the Sost Dry Port in China under the TIR (Transports Internationaux Routiers) regime, The Caspian Post reports via Eurasianet.

Pakistan’s decision to diversify transit away from Afghanistan follows the indefinite closure of the Torkham and Chaman border crossings in October 2025 due to unmanageable security risks and cross-border militancy. By activating the Pakistan-Iran Transit Corridor and the Sost-Kyrgyzstan-China Corridor, Islamabad is dismantling Afghanistan’s traditional transit monopoly. Amidst the ongoing Strait of Hormuz crisis, these land routes, coupled with the rising prominence of Gwadar Port, position Pakistan as a critical, multi-modal bridge between the landlocked Eurasian heartland and global warm-water ports. These new land routes circumvent both maritime chokepoints and regional instability and provide Central Asian nations with secure and diversified avenues for trade and logistics.

For decades, Pakistan’s overland access to the Central Asian countries was almost exclusively dependent on the Chaman and Torkham gateways through Afghanistan. From Pakistan’s perspective, this geographical bottleneck granted Kabul significant leverage, which was frequently used as a political tool during bilateral friction. However, since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, this lifeline for both Central Asian states and Pakistan has transformed into a strategic liability.

Central Asian leadership has grown increasingly frustrated with the instability of the Afghan route. For instance, recurrent border closures, unpredictable transit fees, and the persistent threat posed by militant groups have undermined the region’s trade ambitions. This collective annoyance reached a decisive moment in October 2025, when in response to persistent cross-border militant attacks from Afghanistan, Pakistan decided to completely shut down the Afghan-Pakistani trade routes connecting Central Asia.

Seeking to bypass traditional transit hurdles, Pakistan recently proposed new trade corridors for Central Asian countries. In April 2026, senior representatives from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan gathered in Karachi for a coordination ceremony, where Pakistan offered a permanent alternative to the Afghan route for global connectivity.

The ceremony marked the official activation of the Iran-based land route, with the first convoy of refrigerated trucks carrying frozen meat and assorted exports destined for Tashkent and Bishkek. The development signaled a regional consensus whereby Central Asia is no longer willing to wait for Afghan stability and seem poised to work with Pakistan to operate these new routes. Early data reflects this momentum, with over 14,000 metric tons of cargo successfully processed across both corridors.

Comment by Riaz Haq on July 26, 2026 at 1:49pm

Pakistan Sees Sudden 6x Jump in Credit Card ATM Transactions
By Business Desk | Published Jul 26, 2026 | 8:06 pm

https://propakistani.pk/2026/07/26/pakistan-sees-sudden-6x-jump-in-...

Pakistan’s credit card market recorded its largest-ever quarterly growth, with the number of cards in circulation jumping by 900,000 in just three months, according to Gallup Pakistan’s Digital Analytics Dashboard based on data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

The total number of credit cards increased from 2.2 million in FY25 to 3.1 million in Q1 FY26 (July-September 2025), up by 44 percent.

The addition exceeds the total net growth recorded over the previous six years, during which the credit card base rose from 1.6 million to 2.2 million.

The surge coincided with a sharp rise in credit card usage. SBP data shows the value of credit card transactions at ATMs increased nearly sixfold during the same quarter.

Despite the unprecedented jump, no major bank, fintech, or financial institution publicly announced a large-scale credit card issuance campaign during the period.

The increase could be linked to a major card issuance, a regulatory reclassification of certain card products, or the launch of new credit-based payment products. SBP hasn’t revealed anything on this so far.

Debit cards continue to dominate Pakistan’s payment landscape, accounting for around 90% of the country’s 61.3 million payment cards, while credit cards represent about 4 percent.

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Credit card growth in Pakistan is experiencing a sudden shift, jumping from a stagnant base of 2.2 million to 3.1 million cards in late 2025, driven by rising fintech adoption and digital banking integrations. Despite this growth, total penetration remains exceptionally low relative to the country's population. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Market Statistics and Recent Surge
Base Expansion: Stagnated around 1.6 million to 2.2 million cards between FY20 and FY25, before a single-quarter jump to 3.1 million in Q1 FY26 (July–September 2025). [1]
Transaction Activity: ATM credit card transaction values spiked nearly 6x during the Q1 FY26 surge, confirming active utilization rather than passive issuance. [1]
Overall Market Share: Debit cards still heavily dominate, making up roughly 90% of Pakistan’s 61.3 million total payment cards. [1]

Comment by Riaz Haq on August 7, 2026 at 4:00pm

Pakistan Rolls Out 1,136 5G Sites Across 23 Cities.
Pakistan has deployed 1,136 5G sites across 23 cities, with Jazz leading the rollout at 689 sites. Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Faisalabad currently have the highest number of deployments.

https://www.techjuice.pk/pakistan-rolls-out-1136-5g-sites-across-23...

Pakistan has deployed 1,136 5G sites across 23 cities as of August 4, 2026, according to the latest PTA update.

The PTA data shows that Jazz has deployed 689 5G sites, followed by Zong with 338 sites and Ufone with 109 sites. Jazz alone accounts for 60.7% of the deployed 5G sites, while Zong has a 29.8% share and Ufone 9.6%.

The largest 5G deployment has been recorded in Karachi with 257 sites, followed by Islamabad with 192 sites, Lahore with 241 sites and Faisalabad with 131 sites.

The PTA said it is closely monitoring cellular mobile operators to ensure the timely rollout of 5G services across the country and will submit periodic updates to the relevant committee.

Comment by Riaz Haq on August 21, 2026 at 8:23pm

Data shows Jazz invested $59.67 million in 5G rollout up to June 2026, while Zong invested $98.9 million and Ufone an estimated $20 million


https://www.brecorder.com/news/40435965/pakistans-5g-rollout-attrac...





ISLAMABAD: Telecom operators have invested around $178.6 million in rolling out 5G services in Pakistan, with 1,136 sites upgraded to 5G across the country, according to data shared by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication.

The data shows that Jazz invested $59.67 million in 5G rollout up to June 2026, while Zong invested $98.9 million and Ufone an estimated $20 million.

The ministry said the government’s Policy Directive dated January 6, 2026 for the spectrum auction did not set any specific target for telecom companies to bring in foreign direct investment for 5G rollout.


According to investment projections provided by mobile operators, Jazz is expected to invest a further $30.33 million in 5G rollout during fiscal year 2027, while Zong has forecast an investment of $39.9 million during the year.

The ministry said Ufone’s fiscal year 2027 investment data would be shared after completion of merger-related activities.

Meanwhile, mobile operators have upgraded a total of 1,136 sites to 5G across Pakistan.

The development indicates that operators are making substantial investments in expanding next-generation mobile connectivity despite the absence of a specific government-mandated FDI target linked to 5G deployment.

The government had conducted the 5G spectrum auction in March 2026, paving the way for commercial rollout of next-generation mobile services in the country.

Comment by Riaz Haq on August 28, 2026 at 6:11pm

USF Connects 16.2m People, Deploys 10,400km OFC in Five Years.
The projects expanded broadband access across thousands of underserved areas. Fibre deployment also connected 947 previously unserved

https://www.techjuice.pk/usf-connects-16-2m-people-deploys-10400km-...

The Universal Service Fund (USF) has expanded voice and broadband access to more than 16.2 million people. The projects covered over 9,400 underserved and unserved mauzas during the last five fiscal years.

The figures were shared by Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja. She provided the details in a written reply to the National Assembly.

During FY2022-26, USF projects delivered voice and broadband data services across more than 9,400 mauzas. The programme also helped bring broadband to areas where telecom operators lacked a strong business case.

USF also expanded coverage along more than 1,000 kilometres of unserved roads. These included sections of national highways and motorways. The projects also covered eight tourist destinations and around 50 kilometres of access routes.

The fund deployed more than 10,400 kilometres of optic fibre cable (OFC) during the same five-year period. This work connected 947 unserved tehsil headquarters, union councils and towns.

Since its launch, USF has reached more than 38.4 million people across over 22,100 mauzas. It has also covered more than 2,500 kilometres of previously unserved road segments.

The fund has connected eight tourist destinations and about 50 kilometres of access routes. Its total OFC deployment has also crossed 18,300 kilometres since inception.

USF was established under Section 33(A)(1) of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act, 1996. Its main goal is to extend telecom services to rural, remote and underserved communities.

The programme initially focused on voice and basic data services through 2G networks. It later expanded to high-speed broadband through 3G and 4G networks.

The government said better connectivity is also supporting education, healthcare and emergency services. It is helping improve financial inclusion, e-governance and access to economic opportunities.

The ministry said USF remains important in areas where commercial telecom deployment is difficult. It will continue targeting unserved and underserved communities through broadband and fibre projects.

Comment by Riaz Haq on September 21, 2026 at 8:49pm

Pakistan Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal’s Facebook Post:

This is how we build Pakistan.

The Hyderabad–Sukkur Motorway (M-6) is the missing link in Pakistan’s 1,522 km North-South motorway corridor. With Rs. 30,000 Mn allocated for 2026-27, this 306 KM, 6-lane controlled-access motorway will be completed.

It will reduce travel time, accelerate freight movement, and economically integrate Sindh with the rest of the country.

This is Uraan Pakistan in action - Efficient, Affordable & Green Infrastructure.

#UraanPakistan #M6Motorway #InfrastructurePakistan

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Pakistan is moving ahead with the long-awaited Hyderabad–Sukkur Motorway (M-6), a 306-kilometre, six-lane controlled-access motorway that is planned to become a major missing link in the country’s North-South motorway network.

https://bloompakistan.com/m6-motorway-hyderabad-sukkur-rs30-billion...


The federal government has allocated Rs. 30 billion for the M-6 in the 2026–27 fiscal year, with Rs. 2 billion coming from local funding and Rs. 28 billion through foreign assistance. The project has an approved cost of around Rs. 363.7 billion, according to the latest development-programme details.

The motorway will connect Hyderabad with Sukkur, strengthening the road link between Sindh and the rest of Pakistan. Designed as a divided and fenced six-lane facility, the project is being developed under a build-operate-transfer/Public-Private Partnership model. The Public-Private Partnership Authority lists the project as awarded, with its concession agreement signed.

Federal Minister for Planning, Ahsan Iqbal, also shared the development in a post on X platform.

https://x.com/betterpakistan/status/2101980887953138148?s=61&t=...


The M-6 has been divided into five sections: Hyderabad–Tando Adam, Tando Adam–Nawabshah, Nawabshah–Naushahro Feroze, Naushahro Feroze–Ranipur and Ranipur–Sukkur. Different sections are being supported through PPP arrangements and financing from international development institutions, including the Islamic Development Bank and OPEC Fund.

Comment by Riaz Haq on September 22, 2026 at 8:32am

ML-1 Railway Cost Cut to $6.8 Billion as Global Lenders Line Up to Fund It

https://www.techjuice.pk/ml-1-railway-cost-cut-to-6-8-billion-as-gl...

Several major international financial institutions have shown interest in financing the 1,800km Karachi-Peshawar Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project, whose estimated cost has been revised down to $6.68-6.80 billion following the withdrawal of Chinese financing.

The Economic Affairs Division (EAD) briefed the National Assembly Standing Committee on EAD, chaired by Mirza Ikhtiyar Baig, that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is being considered as the lead financing institution for the project.

Co-financing commitments have come from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the World Bank, while the European Investment Bank, the Islamic Development Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency have also expressed interest, EAD Secretary Humair Karim told the panel.

The revised cost marks a significant reduction from the earlier estimate of around $9 billion.

Officials said the project design had been re-evaluated to identify gaps and incorporate improvements, and that ML-1 now extends beyond the rehabilitation and upgradation of railway infrastructure to include institutional and operational reforms aimed at improving the efficiency, sustainability and service delivery of Pakistan Railways.

The committee was told that the ML-1 infrastructure is being designed to support train speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour, although operations are presently planned at up to 120 kilometres per hour. Construction is expected to take about three years to complete.

Members raised concerns over the proposed operational speed, urging that the project make full use of modern railway technologies and international standards. The committee stressed that infrastructure and operational parameters should be aligned to enable speeds of 160 kilometres per hour wherever technically and economically feasible, rather than limiting the benefits of the upgraded network.

On Karachi-related projects, the committee recommended a consultative meeting of federal and provincial ministries and departments to address major development and infrastructure schemes in Karachi and other parts of Sindh, resolve inter-departmental and financing bottlenecks, and expedite implementation.

The panel voiced serious concern over the progress and completion timeline of the K-IV water supply project, which is now expected to be completed by April 2029. Members noted that Karachi currently requires more than 1,200 million gallons of water per day, a figure expected to rise substantially by 2029-30 amid population growth and urban expansion.

The committee was also informed that a desalination plant developed earlier had been found technically unsuitable by Nespak. It called for a thorough review of all technical, financial and implementation aspects of the K-IV project and recommended that it be taken up comprehensively under a steering committee at the Ministry of Planning and Development, with participation from all relevant federal and provincial stakeholders, to address Karachi’s water requirements and ensure timely completion.

Separately, the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) informed the committee that the prime minister had directed that stalled and delayed projects involving the UAE and other countries be actively pursued and brought to implementation through enhanced coordination.

Comment by Riaz Haq 1 hour ago

Pakistan secures $705m for three sections of M-6 motorway

https://www.nation.com.pk/13-Oct-2026/govt-secures-dollar-705m-thre...

ISLAMABAD - The federal government has secured $705 million for three sections of the M-6 Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway project, with contracts for the sections expected to be awarded by November-December 2026. The Senate Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, which met under the chairpersonship of Senator Quratulain Marri, expressed serious concern over prolonged delays in the execution of M-6 Sukkur–Hyderabad Motorway project.



The committee reviewed allocations for foreign-funded development projects under PSDP 2026–27, with particular focus on rupee cover, reliance on foreign borrowing, project completion timelines and utilization of domestic resources. The committee was informed that 98 foreign-funded projects, with a total estimated cost of Rs8,099.94 billion, were included in PSDP 2026–27, involving foreign assistance of Rs4,649.2 billion.

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The committee underscored that foreign-funded projects must receive adequate rupee cover to avoid implementation delays, while ensuring transparency, accountability, prudent financial management and coordination with donor agencies. It emphasized balancing foreign assistance with domestic fiscal capacity and minimizing avoidable financial burdens. The committee also reviewed progress on the M-6 Sukkur–Hyderabad Motorway project and expressed serious concern over prolonged delays. The chairperson observed that the M-6 project had been under consideration since 2017 and questioned repeated postponements despite its strategic importance. Senator Afnanullah Khan also raised concerns over continued delays and missed deadlines, stressing the need for timely implementation.

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