KABUL: Zakir Jalali, the Third Political Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, says meaningful connectivity between Central Asia and South Asia is not possible without Afghanistan.
Writing on X on Thursday, he said that based on “history, geography, and economic logic,” any attempt to bypass Afghanistan in regional connectivity projects would be neither practical nor sustainable.
He stressed that only a “comprehensive, constructive, and forward-looking” framework with economic viability can ensure shared prosperity for the people of the region.
Jalali also warned that continuing with “limited, security-oriented, or reactive approaches” risks repeating past mistakes rather than solving them.
“A rational approach requires careful consideration of both individual national interests and the broader interests of the region,” he wrote. “Connectivity naturally requires inclusion, not exclusion, and must be based on economic calculations rather than emotions or temporary reactions.”
According to Jalali, the time has come to move beyond outdated patterns of thinking.
His remarks appear to be linked to reported efforts by Pakistan to establish transit and trade links with Central Asian countries through routes that bypass Afghanistan.