Pakistan, July 5 -- On Friday, addressing the ECO Summit in Azerbaijan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reminded regional leaders of what many Pakistanis already know: in a world facing conflict, climate threats, and economic fragmentation, no country can afford to stand alone.

He hit the bull's eye, and the numbers show why. Pakistan-Turkey trade jumped 30% last year to $1.4 billion, facilitated by a preferential deal signed in 2022. Trade with Uzbekistan is also on track to reach $400 million soon, with hopes of $2 billion in the next few years if the Trans-Afghan rail link takes shape. That corridor could be Pakistan's gateway to Central Asia, cutting costs for exporters and giving our stagnant logistics sector a much-needed boost.

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