REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY PROJECTS IN AFGHANISTAN

Abstract

This research work focusses on the regional connectivity projects between Central Asia and Pakistan through Afghanistan. It discusses Vision Central Asia Policy, Pakistan-Afghanistan-Central Asia Corridor. The research paper also analyzed those ground that leads to the delaying of Central Asian Region Economic Cooperation corridors which will connect Central Asia with Pakistan, India, Nepal and Bangladesh. Moreover, the researcher also discusses Trans-Afghan Railways and hurdles prevails in its extension to Pakistan. It also discusses the China-Afghanistan Economic Corridor (CAEC). It discusses Asian Highway (AH) 7, Khyber Pass Economic Corridor (KPEC), Pakistan-Tajikistan Highway, Wakhan Corridor, Pakistan-Uzbekistan Highway, Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) Gas Pipeline Project, and Central Asia-South Asia (CASA-1000). This research study also discusses prospects of regional connectivity. The qualitative methodology has been adopted for the conduction of this research work and secondary sources are being utilized. These regional connectivity projects are very essential for the economic development of Pakistan and Afghanistan. However, terrorism prevails in both countries that makes regional connectivity between Central Asia and Pakistan a nightmare. Therefore, the international communities must have to show efforts in reducing terrorism in Pakistan. Once the terrorism in Pakistan reduced, the regional connectivity projects will become functional which will boost the economy of both Pakistan and Afghanistan.