Pakistan, Turkmenistan explore new trade routes via Gwadar port

December 12, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan has offered Turkmenistan access to its Karachi and Gwadar ports to expand Central Asian trade routes, a development that emerged from talks between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov in Ashgabat.

The proposal aims to establish new land and sea connectivity between the two countries, positioning the Pakistani ports as alternative corridors for the landlocked Central Asian nation, according to the press release. 

During the meeting on the sidelines of an international forum marking Turkmenistan's 30th anniversary of permanent neutrality, Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the strategic location of both ports for accessing South Asian markets and beyond.

Shehbaz Sharif also thanked Turkmenistan for facilitating the evacuation of Pakistani nationals from Iran during escalated tensions between Iran and Israel earlier this year, though specific numbers of evacuees.

The Pakistani delegation included Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Energy Minister Awais Leghari, and Information Minister Ata Tarar.

Shehbaz Sharif extended invitations to President Berdimuhamedov and former president Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, now designated as National Leader of the Turkmen People, to visit Pakistan in 2026.

Both leaders discussed expanding trade and economic cooperation, though no specific agreements or investment figures were revealed.

Turkmenistan's economy depends heavily on natural gas exports, while Pakistan faces chronic energy shortages and has previously explored pipeline projects through Afghan territory.

The two-day visit includes Shehbaz Sharif’s participation in the International Forum on Peace and Trust, organized around the UN's designation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust.

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