Pakistan today stands at a historic turning point reclaiming its rightful position as a central hub along the ancient Silk Road. With its unique geography connecting South Asia, Central Asia, China, and beyond, Pakistan has the opportunity to transform itself into a powerful bridge for tourism, trade, and cultural diplomacy.
One of the most significant milestones in this journey has been the deepening relationship between Pakistan and China through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Notably, Kashgar in China has been recognized as a sister tourism city with Pakistan’s northern regions, symbolizing a shared vision to promote cross-border tourism and cultural exchange along the Silk Route. This partnership reflects a broader regional ambition to revive the historic Silk Road not only as a trade corridor but also as a tourism and cultural network.
At the heart of this connectivity lies the Khunjerab Pass, the highest paved international border crossing in the world, linking Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region with China’s Xinjiang province. Today, there are renewed discussions and regional efforts to further expand connectivity from this corridor towards Central Asia, including Tajikistan, opening new avenues for trade routes and tourism flows across the Silk Road region.
Encouragingly, the private sector is also stepping forward. A recent development includes the launch of a new airline initiative, Centrum Air, in collaboration with Pakistan-based stakeholders, aiming to enhance regional connectivity. This initiative is expected to introduce direct flights between Lahore and Tashkent, significantly improving accessibility between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, and strengthening people-to-people and business ties. The economic potential of this regional integration is immense. Pakistan’s strategic position places it at the center of a $60+ billion regional connectivity network under CPEC, linking multiple Silk Route economies. Trade between Pakistan and Central Asian countries including Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan is currently estimated at $500 million to $1 billion annually, with the potential to grow to $5–10 billion in the coming years through improved connectivity and policy support.
Tourism presents another powerful opportunity. With over 50 million domestic tourists annually and a growing number of international visitors, Pakistan’s tourism sector contributes approximately $16 billion to the national economy. With targeted promotion and infrastructure development, tourism flows between Pakistan and Silk Road countries could generate $1–3 billion annually in the near future.
Investment opportunities are equally promising. The hospitality, infrastructure, aviation, and services sectors collectively present an estimated $20–30 billion investment potential for international investors looking to tap into Pakistan’s emerging tourism and trade ecosystem.
Beyond economics, the Silk Road represents a deeper connection one rooted in shared history, culture, and identity. Countries such as Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Turkey, and Italy share centuries-old ties with Pakistan through trade, art, architecture, and knowledge exchange. Today, through initiatives like the Gilgit Baltistan Silk Route Festival October 2026, Pakistan is reviving these connections by creating platforms for dialogue, collaboration, and cultural exchange.
This is a moment of opportunity not just for Pakistan, but for the entire region. By strengthening partnerships, investing in connectivity, and promoting cultural diplomacy, Pakistan can position itself as a leading gateway to the new Silk Road.
The Silk Road is no longer just a story of the past it is a vision for the future
Ms Sadaf Khalid Khan
Director Silk Road Enterprises
Sadaf.khalid@silkroadenterprises.pk
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