ISLAMABAD, Oct 15 (APP): National Book Foundation (NBF), under the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, has published Brigadier Abdul Rehman Bilal’s significant book ‘CONTESTED CORRIDORS: Pakistan’s Quest for Regional Prosperity’.
The 400-page book is priced at Rs. 5,350 and is available at NBF bookshops and outlets across the country at a 50 percent discount.
The book examines Pakistan’s geographical position, regional connectivity, trade potential and economic prospects in a broader context.
According to the author, Pakistan’s location in the northwestern part of the Indian Ocean, its long coastline and deep-sea ports provide significant opportunities for connectivity between North-South and East-West trade routes.
The book discusses the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and other regional corridors in the context of future economic development and enhanced connectivity.
The publication also traces the historical significance of trade routes and the interaction of civilisations in the region.
Exploring the potential for land, maritime and multimodal connectivity with Afghanistan, Iran, Central Asia, China and other regions, the author highlights ports, highways, railways, fibre-optic networks, pipelines, power grids and modern communication systems as important components of regional connectivity.
The book further examines opportunities for connecting Pakistan with Central Asian states, Russia, the Caucasus, Türkiye, Europe, the Far East and Southeast Asia.
The author emphasises that the success of corridors depends not only on infrastructure development but also on effective institutions, appropriate legal frameworks, human resource development, monitoring and continuous improvement.
‘CONTESTED CORRIDORS’ also discusses global trends in corridor development and refers to initiatives and projects including the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), CPEC and CAREC, while examining the relationship between regional economics and geopolitics.
The book provides useful insights for readers, researchers, policy experts and students interested in Pakistan’s geographical and economic role, regional trade, connectivity and the prospects of future corridor development.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
