Unlocking US Access to Central Asia via Pakistan

Unlocking US Access to Central Asia via Pakistan

The chaotic exit out of Afghanistan resulted in an eventful refocus of US Access (involvement) in Eurasia. Although the means of withdrawal was subject to criticism, the geopolitical necessity is still valid, namely: the need to continue to have influence and access to vitally important areas as well as the need to counter the activities of such competitors as China and Russia in Central Asia and Afghanistan. Paradoxically, the way ahead can pass through Pakistan not only as a security partner, but also as a land bridge and gateway to economic potential. It can be well balanced as a scalable method through which the US can have a more feasible goal in realizing the Eurasian vision especially in the automobile market and reaching Afghanistan’s potential through the use of the geography of Pakistan, which is developing infrastructure associated with it.

The Imperative for Overland Access

Loss of the northern routes via Russia and the inbuilt risks and sanctions headaches of passing through Iran, have provided a gaping connectivity gap. It is presently much more difficult to reach the resource-rich Central Asian Republics (CARs) and the complicated reality of Afghanistan that the US along with its allies are now facing. Air or long sea routes are inefficient and expensive. Pakistan, with its deep-sea ports at Gwadar and Port Qasim, as well as a road network extending all the way north and improving by the day, offers the most pragmatic, safe and expandable land option. It is not a matter of convenience but of relevance as well as ensuring that the region does not completely come under the influence of competing blocs.

The Khyber Pass Economic Corridor

Its economic potential has been shown by the flagship project to be built and co-financed by the World Bank and Pakistan itself: the Khyber Pass Economic Corridor (KPEC) worth USD 482.75 million. The project is much more than a road upgrade; it is a strategic artery. By increasing connectivity between Peshawar and the Torkham border crossing, and linking with the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) corridors 5 and 6, KPEC will decrease transit time between Pakistani ports and Central Asia to two days or less. It is estimated to generate more than 100,000 jobs, and importantly, open trade routes to Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan. To the US, this corridor offers a secure export channel (including humanitarian relief) without having to transit around geopolitically dangerous chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz or depend upon unreliable northern routes. Gwadar and Port Qasim are deep-water ports positioned to handle increased trade flows.

The Automotive Nexus

It is here that the CARS element comes into play. Pakistan also has a growing automotive industry. Big global players already have assembly factories. Automobile and auto-parts manufacturers in the US have the chance to directly invest in the market of Pakistan, due to rising domestic demand, and use it as an export hub. Enhanced road infrastructure, such as KPEC, makes manufacturing more competitive. Modernizing assembly lines, introducing electric vehicle (EV) technology, and building resilient supply chains offers huge potential. The corridor can help Pakistan become a key player in the automotive supply chain for the region. A reliable overland route will also be crucial for Afghanistan’s reconstruction, where transit needs will be immense. US logistics and tech companies could invest in customs modernization, smart warehouses, and digitized border management to ensure efficient and secure trade.

Tapping Resource Flows and Energy Potential

Routes through Balochistan and into Afghanistan are gateways for vast mineral resources. Afghanistan is believed to have trillions in untapped lithium, rare earths, and copper. Balochistan is also resource-rich. While there are security challenges, creating safe, internationally supervised transit routes—where US tech and logistics companies could excel—is essential to accessing these resources responsibly. This would counter any rivals seeking to monopolize supply chains.

Additionally, Pakistan is the key link for stalled regional energy projects like CASA-1000 (electricity transfer from Kyrgyzstan/Tajikistan to Afghanistan/Pakistan) and TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline). US support for these projects would strengthen regional energy security and restore US economic influence in Central Asia, offering an alternative to China- or Russia-backed initiatives.

Investing in Pakistan’s automotive sector and using its trade corridors for regional access to resources, energy, and humanitarian aid is not just goodwill; it is strategic. It maximizes US economic interests, promotes regional stability, undermines rival influence, and secures a pivot position in Eurasia. Pakistan is ready to act as a gateway. The question is whether the US is ready to walk through. The opportunity is open; now is the time for decisive American investment.

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are exclusively those of the author and do not reflect the official stance, policies, or perspectives of the Platform.