Islamabad – The historic and strategic new road will help transform the relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan, providing a direct connection between the northeastern province of Panjshir in Afghanistan and Chitral in Pakistan.
This 194-kilometer road, which cuts across the Zeybak district of Badakhshan to Chitral, is being celebrated as one of the most significant developmental milestones that can potentially open up avenues for economic and social development throughout the region.
The project is a long-term ambition of the communities on both sides of the border, as they have had a rich cultural and business relationship over the centuries.
Reviving a Historical Connection
Since ancient times, Panjshir, Badakhshan, Wakhan, and Chitral, with their rugged mountainous areas, have been an important component of the ancient Silk Road.
These trade routes were also the means by which the Chinese, Central Asian, Afghans, and the subcontinent exchanged cultures and ideas.
Ancient caravans from Wakhan, Zeybak, and Badakhshan used to travel through Chitral, creating a rich tapestry of shared history and heritage.
These strong ties were broken after the partitioning of India in 1947, and the protracted war and instability in Afghanistan further isolated them.
The building of this road is an iconic move towards repairing these historical and cultural connections and restoring a sense of shared community.
An Engineering and Security Achievement
The road was a massive task, with the Afghan Ministry of Defense overseeing its construction. It had to pass through the insurmountable barriers of the Rocky Mountains, deep valleys, and snow-covered routes.
Its completion is not only an engineering step but also a major achievement in security and stability in the region. This route directly links northeastern Afghanistan with the markets of South Asia while bypassing the older and more challenging routes.
Strategically, the project may also become a significant future trade route connecting China and Central Asian states with South Asia, leading to a more integrated regional economy.
Economic and Social Prosperity
The advantages of the new road are much more than mere transportation. It is also projected to provide ease of daily travel for inhabitants of Panjshir, Badakhshan, and Chitral and will greatly enhance ease of access to trade, tourism, education, and health services.
Most importantly, the road will ensure that the region’s valuable goods have easier access to international markets.
This involves the great emerald mines of Panjshir and the special handicrafts, precious stones, and gems of Chitral.
The road will stimulate tremendous economic development by linking these local economies with the rest of the world markets.
The new route will also help in rebuilding the family and cultural connections that have been strained over decades. Close contact between communities will not only ensure material development, but also a great cultural revival.
A Bridge to Peace and Cooperation
The Pakistani and Afghan governments are urged to consider opening up additional conventional avenues, including Ziwar Gol and Ojno Gol in the Pakistani region of Chitral, which historically accessed the Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan.
Turning these natural roads into modern roads with tunnels would provide more trade and tourism routes through bilateral discussions.
The development of this direct road is not only an infrastructure project, but a historical, cultural, and economic revolution. Not only will the project enhance cross-border relations, but it will also be an important bridge between South and Central Asia.
To ensure that this project fulfils its potential in the best way possible, the road must be sustainable, safe, and functional.
This new path will be the foundation of sustainable peace, prosperity, and cooperation in the region by repairing other ancient routes and creating a coherent regional network.
