TIANJIN, July 4 (Alliance News): Director of the Road Transport Department at Pakistan’s Ministry of Communications, Shahbaz Latif Mirza, lauded China’s transformative progress in sustainable transport during his participation at the Global Sustainable Transport Forum and the 12th SCO Transport Ministers’ Meeting held in Tianjin from July 1 to 2.
Impressed by the futuristic displays, including rotating wind turbines, AI-powered automated transport robots, and the model of Kazakhstan’s Astana Light Rail project, Mirza remarked that such innovations were essential for Pakistan’s evolving transport landscape.
“China is an excellent development partner, particularly in the transport sector,” he said, citing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a “game-changer” not only for Pakistan and China but for the entire Central Asian region.
The forum brought together delegates from 20 countries to enhance cooperation in global connectivity and sustainable infrastructure. Participants emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to promote green transport, economic integration, and regional development.
Mirza underscored the transformative impact of CPEC, which includes road, rail, and energy projects, facilitating connectivity, economic growth, and employment.
He highlighted the deepening people-to-people ties between Pakistan and China, particularly as a result of enhanced road and air connectivity.
“Daily flights now operate from major Pakistani cities to Beijing, Shanghai, and Urumqi,” he added, describing the interaction as “a vibrant cultural exchange.”
He particularly admired China’s leadership in eco-friendly and intelligent transport solutions.
“Their mass transit networks offer sustainable alternatives to private vehicles, which is something Pakistan must adopt, especially to combat environmental challenges like winter smog and summer heatwaves,” he noted.
Mirza emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to intensifying its learning from China’s model, especially in developing smart, digital, and high-tech transportation systems.
“While our urban infrastructure still lags behind, we are determined to modernize and digitalize, with special focus on intelligent transport and rail systems,” he said.
Mirza concluded that enhanced cooperation in transport between the two countries would not only benefit Pakistan’s economy but also contribute positively to regional integration and environmental sustainability.
