ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has decided to outline strategic road map to engage with Russia and connect two nations via railway networks and secure trade routes by circumventing threat of US sanctions.

Sources revealed that Pakistan's government was developing three-pronged strategy including government-to-government frameworks and projects, business-to-business cooperation to foster trade and investment and mechanisms to ensure safe trade and business operations. Ministry of Foreign Affairs has endorsed this proposal. State Bank of Pakistan has cautioned that doing business with Russian entities, which are already under sanctions, could pose challenges. It, however, highlighted that other nations like Turkey were conducting transactions with Russia in local currencies. During recent meeting at Planning Commission, officials of Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed need for adopting viable strategies that could be taken up by high-powered delegation set to visit Russia soon.

Railways secretary outlined three crucial rail routes to build linkages with Russia and Central Asian states. These include upgrading Quetta-Taftan rail network as memorandum of understanding has already been signed in June 2024. In this regard, bilateral meeting is expected in current month to implement MoU and identify areas of cooperation. Under second route, Kohat-Kharlachi rail network will be connected with Central Asian Republics through Afghanistan following complete feasibility study.For third route, Minelik Express will connect Reko Diq with Gwadar to gain access to markets of Azerbaijan and Russia. This is direct and reliable route to Arabian Sea, significantly reducing cost of transporting minerals. Minister for National Food Security and Research and Industries and Production supported proposal of special assistant to Prime Minister on foreign affairs to come up with comprehensive plans for holding negotiations with Russia. Director General of Power Division suggested that Russian expertise should be leveraged for laying electricity transmission lines for ongoing hydel projects at high altitude and in extreme weather conditions. Planning minister gave directive for conducting feasibility study on electricity export to China involving Three Gorges Dam.