Central Asian Republics (CARs) are bordered by two great powers, Russia and China in the east; the Caspian Sea to the west, Iran to the south, and Afghanistan to the southwest. Faisal Javed, Uzma Siraj, and Arkadiusz Zukowski’s book titled “Bridging Horizons: Unraveling the Enigma of Connectivity Between Pakistan and Central Asia” presents an in-depth analysis of the historical, political, economic, and cultural linkages between Pakistan and CARs, prospects and challenges for regional integration, and suggests a way forward. The book is divided into five chapters, including an introduction.
Chapter I, Relations Between Pakistan and Central Asian States, discusses historical relations between Pakistan and CARs. The authors have mentioned that Pakistan established diplomatic ties with CARs soon after their independence. On 24 February 1992, Pakistan established diplomatic relations with Kazakhstan. It is the most developed country of CARs, with a $259.70 billion GDP and a population of more than 19.62 million (p. 25). Kazakhstan emerged as Pakistan’s largest export market in Central Asia in 2022, with a total volume of $191.139 million (p. 27). The authors have highlighted that Kazakhstan is interested in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to access Pakistan’s seaports (p. 27).
They have noted that Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan are agricultural economies, which account for more than 20 percent of their GDP (p. 14). Keeping in view the electricity surplus in Kyrgyzstan, the authors have emphasized the operationalization of Central Asia South Asia (CASA-1000), an electricity transmission project from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to Pakistan through Afghanistan to increase the energy trade and fulfill the energy requirement of the region. While discussing Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations, the authors have underlined that Uzbekistan is a mineral and energy resource-rich country with resources worth USD 3.5 trillion. It also holds gold reserves of 2,000 metric tons. The authors believe that when regional routes are fully established, Pakistan will have a chance to further enhance trade with Uzbekistan (p. 24).
Turkmenistan is an energy resource-rich country. It ranks fifth in the world with natural gas reserves of around 7.504 trillion cubic meters. The authors have noted that operationalizing the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) natural gas pipeline would be helpful in addressing Pakistan’s energy crisis. While discussing Pakistan-Tajikistan relations, they are of the view that although their bilateral trade increased from USD 3.12 million in 2003 to USD 12.7 million in 2022, it can be further enhanced as the two countries have a bilateral trade potential of approximately USD 500 million (p. 11).
Chapters II and III, Regional Connectivity Initiatives and Challenges and Responses to Regional Connectivity, discuss several regional connectivity projects and various challenges that Pakistan and CARs have been facing in this regard. The initiatives include the Quadrilateral Transit in Traffic Agreement (QTTA) between Pakistan, China, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan; (ii) CASA-1000; and (iii) Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Tajikistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (TUTAP), an electricity transmission project to enhance electricity trade among member states. Apart from this, the authors have also mentioned the alternative initiatives of existing projects that are still stalled. One such initiative was the Chinese proposal in 2013 to construct a gas pipeline starting from the Uzbek city of Termez. This pipeline would connect to Kabul via Mazar-i-Sharif, extend to Peshawar and Islamabad, and ultimately reach India. However, this proposal failed to materialize.
The authors have identified two major problems impeding regional integration, which include divergent national interests and disparate economic development levels and models, and rivalry for regional leadership between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. They are of the opinion that the cooperation versus competition approach of extra-regional powers in Central Asia has also undermined regional connectivity efforts.
The authors are of the view that security issues and cross-border conflicts fundamentally hinder transportation, infrastructure projects, and the smooth flow of goods in the region (p. 121). They have emphasized that stability in Afghanistan is crucial since all energy and transportation routes pass through Afghanistan. They have pointed out that security threats from various organizations, such as the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), Hizb-ul-Tahrir (HT), Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), and Tahreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), are sabotaging peace efforts in the region. The authors have referred to the presence of TTP in Afghanistan and stressed that their attacks on Pakistani forces have hindered regional connectivity efforts. They have suggested that, despite these challenges, collaboration at various multilateral platforms, including the Central Asian Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC), Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), provides avenues for collaboration among Pakistan, Afghanistan, and CARs to strengthen the regional connectivity efforts (p. 130).
Chapter IV, Role of Organizations in Regional Connectivity, highlights the role of the SCO, ECO, and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in regional connectivity. The authors have noted that regional organizations provide a basis for regional cooperation (p. 51). They have suggested that the Central Asian countries of SCO can participate in CPEC to get access to the Arabian Sea. With regard to ECO, the authors have suggested that Pakistan should continue to engage with resource-rich ECO member countries. It needs to explore ways of exporting value-added goods such as processed food and textiles, which are in high demand in ECO member countries (p. 180). The authors are of the view that the EAEU and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) are two pivotal initiatives that can integrate Asia and Europe. They have referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s suggestion of merging the EAEU and BRI to develop a Greater Eurasian Partnership (GEP). They have noted that since CPEC is a flagship project of BRI, Russia can improve connectivity with Pakistan to fully utilize the potential of the EAEU-BRI partnership (p. 182).
Chapter V, Way Forward, presents policy recommendations to improve regional connectivity. The authors have mentioned that: (i) strong political will and visionary leadership are prerequisites for regional connectivity; (ii) Pakistan’s positive role in transit trade and conclusion of free trade agreements with CARs can strengthen its economy and regional connectivity; (iii) the establishment and implementation of existing transport connectivity projects and direct air links between Pakistan and CARs would improve accessibility and reduce transit time; (iv) the inclusion of Afghanistan in CPEC+ framework presents an opportunity to tackle the challenges of instability, security and legitimacy in the region; (v) given the ongoing situation in Afghanistan, Pakistan and CARs should focus on alternative transport routes under QTTA which connects Pakistan and CARs via China; (vi) investment in digital infrastructure such as broadband networks and data centers can facilitate the development of e-commerce platforms, mobile apps and social media tools to connect consumers and businesses across borders; and (vii) Pakistan and CARs should promote people to people contact through religious tourism and cultural exchange programs.
The book presents an in-depth analysis of bilateral and regional multilateral relationships. The authors explore major connectivity initiatives between Pakistan and CARs and present an insightful discussion on the challenges of regional connectivity. They also make recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders on how to enhance relations among regional countries through connectivity. Case studies supported by detailed maps and statistical data enhance the book’s utility for scholars, policymakers, and businessmen interested in the region.
