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Geoatrategic Location of Pakistan
Geoatrategic Location of Pakistan
Discussion
Introduction
From a strategic perspective, Pakistan lies at the hub of Central
Asia, Middle East and South Asia providing the most economical
strategic link between the resource affluent Persian Gulf / Central Asia
and the energy scarce wider South Asia. Pakistan also offers the shortest
route to China / CARs vis-à-vis Iran / Turkey. Land locked Afghanistan
now entering the reconstruction / rehabilitation phase, also finds its
way through Pakistan. Moreover, the deep water Gwadar port being
linked with major urban centers through coastal highway as well as
planned /under construction network of motorways /rail offers
comparatively superior opportunities to countries like China,
Afghanistan and CARs, not only for mutual trade but also for their
trade with the rest of the world.
Table 1:
Saving in terms of Distances (Via Shanghai vs. Gwadar)
Ser From To Via Shanghai Via Pakistan Saved Saved
(miles) (miles) (miles) (% age)
a Central China Middle East 11206 3626 7580 68
b Central China Europe 17801 10928 6873 39
c Central China Pakistan 10601 3081 7520 71
(Gwadar)
d Western China Middle East 12537 2295 10242 82
e Western China Europe 19132 9597 9535 50
f Western China Pakistan 11932 1750 10182 85
(Gwadar)
Figure 1:
Global Trade Route of China
Figure 2:
Container Traffic of China
Afghanistan
Opportunities
Transportation Challenges
Existing Transportation System
Table 3:
Earning of Pakistan Railway (2007 – March 2014)2 0
Years Earning (Rs in Mn) % Change
2009-10 21,886 -5.5
2010-11 18,740 -14.4
2011-12 15,444 -17.5
2012-13 18,070 17.0
2013-14 (July – March) 17,736 -
Table 4:
Passenger and Freight Traffic (201 1/12 – 2012/13)2 1
Subject 2011-12 2012-13
Number of Passengers Carried (M) 41.1 42
Passenger Traffic (M kms) 16093 17388
Freight Carried Tonnes (M) 1.3 1.0
Freight Tonnes (M kms) 402 419
Way Forward
Figure 4:
Figure 5:
Diplomatic Maneuver
Transportation Sector
.Figure 6:
Road Network
Rail Network
Air Transportation
PIA should either be privatized or allowed to operate on
commercial lines with minimum governmental control so that it
can compete in the aviation market. It will not only be able to
meet its operating expenses but also earn and improve its fleet,
instead of becoming a public sector liability.
Management of PIA should be cut to size to reduce operational
losses.
Gwadar Seaport
Miscellaneous Recommendations
Conclusion
References
Notes
4. Asim Siddiqui, “Understanding Economic benefits of Trade
corridor between Gwadar – Kashgar Intermodal Network”.
Accessed November 30, 2014. http://www.intermodal-
asia.com/files/aasim_siddiqui__apsa.pdf
5. Ibid.
6. Ibid.
7. “Pak – China Economic Corridor to help setup new dry ports
in country”, Business Recorder, November 25, 2014.
Accessed December 10, 2014. http://www.brecorder.com/
business-and-economy/
189:pakistan/1245377:pak-china-economic-corridor-
to-help-set-up-new-dry-ports-in-country/
8. “China’s Statistical Yearbook 2013". Accessed November
30,2014. http://www.stats.gov.cn/tjsj/ndsj/2013/indexeh.htm
21. Ibid.
22. “Pakistan Transport Sector”, World Bank.
23. Ibid.
24. Ibid.
25. Ibid.
26. Pakistan Economic Survey 2013-14.
27. Ibid.
32. “Pak – China Economic Corridor to help setup new dry ports
in country”, Business Recorder.
Annexure A