ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is seeking to strengthen regional connectivity and position itself as a key transit hub for trade between Central Asia, China and the South Caucasus, Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan said on Friday.

Speaking at a high-level panel at the Azerbaijan International Investment Forum in Baku, the minister said Pakistan was pursuing fiscal discipline and austerity to withstand global economic uncertainty, including higher fuel and maritime freight costs and disruptions to traditional trade routes.

He said Pakistan was also seeking to act as a neutral diplomatic venue and constructive mediator in regional conflicts to help ease tensions and maintain trade flows. Mr Khan said Pakistan`s deep-sea ports -Karachi, Port Qasim and Gwadar remained operational and could serve as alternative gateways for regional commerce.

`Karachi Port Trust handled more than 54.68 million tonnes of cargo in the previous fiscal year,` he said.

Improved regional connectivity is transforming Pakistan into an important trade hub, as the country emerges as a key maritime gateway for Central Asian states, he said.

He highlighted motorway projects including the M-6, M-10 and MNJC as key trade routes linking Pakistan with western China and Central Asia.

The minister also pointed to transport arrangements with Azerbaijan, including 1,500 annual reciprocal permits, which he said would strengthen links between Pakistani ports, the South Caucasus and the Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor.