Mirsaid Rahmonov
The implementation of the CASA-1000 power transmission line construction project is a memorable and historically significant milestone for us all, symbolizing the beginning of true cooperation between the countries of the Central and South Asian regions. This was expressed by the President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, during the inauguration of the CASA-1000 project.
Asia is the largest continent in the world, with Central and South Asia considered strategic due to their unique geographical, cultural, historical, and natural resources.
South Asia is comprised of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, while modern Central Asia includes Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan.
Pakistan and India gained independence from British colonial rule in 1947, inheriting weak economies. However, through effective management, the leadership of the time achieved significant progress during their early years of independence, garnering acceptance from strategic nations.
Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Central Asian countries, including Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, gained independence, opening the door to regional development efforts. This independence fostered stronger cooperation with neighboring South Asian countries and beyond, ushering in a new chapter for the region’s prosperity.
Currently, the region is economically connected through two major projects: the TAPI gas pipeline (Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India) and the CASA-1000 electrical corridor (Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, Pakistan). These projects aim to strengthen connectivity between Central and South Asia.
On October 8, 2024, a scientific-practical seminar was held, titled “Development of Economic Relations Between Tajikistan and Pakistan in the Context of the Construction of the CASA-1000 Project.
” The event, organized by the Institute for the Study of Asian and European States in Tajikistan, discussed the project’s progress, innovations, and challenges.
The institute’s director, Dr. Haydarzoda Rustam Jura, highlighted Tajikistan’s key role in the region, emphasizing that the CASA-1000 project was initiated to address power crises and provide electricity to the region’s people. As a regional project, CASA-1000 has evolved into an international structure of global importance.
Senior research analyst Mr. Mirsaid Rahmonov presented a detailed paper on the economic relations between Tajikistan and Pakistan in the context of the CASA-1000 project.
He explained the project’s various aspects and its significance for regional cooperation. The project involves constructing a high-voltage power transmission line from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to Afghanistan and Pakistan, aiming to improve the energy systems of these countries. Full implementation of the project will create opportunities for the establishment of a single market and annual trade, as well as contribute to interregional cooperation.
Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan will export an additional 1,300 megawatts of electricity to South Asia through this project, creating a regional electricity market.
This initiative not only benefits the four participating countries but also helps regulate and improve the electricity transmission system, stabilizing cooperation in the region. An intergovernmental council has been established to ensure effective regional collaboration, addressing technical and environmental standards for safety.
The CASA-1000 project is being implemented as follows:
- A 500 kV AC transmission line from Kyrgyzstan’s “Datka” substation to Tajikistan’s “Sughd-500” substation, spanning 477 km;
- A converter substation with a capacity of 1,300 MW in Sangtuda, Tajikistan;
- A high-voltage DC power transmission line from Sangtuda, Tajikistan, to Nowshahra, Pakistan, covering 750 km;
- A converter substation with a capacity of 1,300 MW in Nowshahra, Pakistan.
With its value and importance, CASA-1000 is considered a significant development in the electricity transmission system of Central and South Asia. It will reduce electricity shortages in South Asia, enhance economic prospects, and contribute to regional growth.
The participation of both private and public sectors, along with support from development partners, is crucial for the project’s success. Construction officially began on May 12, 2016, in Tursunzoda, Tajikistan, with the involvement of key leaders from the participating countries.
Tajikistan’s foreign policy prioritizes fostering friendly and cooperative relations with all countries, regardless of intentions.
Strengthening good-neighborly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation is central to Tajikistan’s approach to South Asia, laying the foundation for expanded political, security, and economic partnerships. In line with this, Tajikistan seeks to strengthen its ties with South Asian nations, particularly Pakistan, given their geostrategic importance.
Diplomatic relations between Tajikistan and Pakistan were restored on June 6, 1992. Pakistan was among the first to recognize Tajikistan’s independence, opening its embassy in Dushanbe in 1993.
Today, bilateral relations are governed by nearly 50 agreements and memorandums, spanning various sectors. Economic cooperation continues to grow, with a joint intergovernmental commission overseeing commercial, economic, scientific, and technical collaboration.
On July 9, 2024, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between Muhammad Asif Noor, Chairman of the Global Business Alliance of Pakistan, and Umedjon Saidov, General Director of Somon Travel in Tajikistan, to enhance cooperation in the tourism industry, leveraging both nations’ rich cultural heritage. This initiative includes organizing mutual trips, hosting tourism exhibitions, and promoting folk crafts.
The economic and commercial ties between Tajikistan and Pakistan are expanding, and both countries share common positions on important regional and global issues.
As these relations continue to strengthen, Tajikistan recognizes the strategic significance of its cooperation with South Asia, particularly Pakistan. Both regions share deep historical, cultural, and linguistic connections dating back centuries, and efforts are underway to restore these ties.
The integration of Central and South Asia, especially through projects like CASA-1000, is seen as crucial for regional development.
As countries work together on energy projects and economic corridors, new opportunities will emerge for trade, investment, and regional cooperation. Tajikistan’s abundant hydropower resources and Pakistan’s strategic location will allow for the creation of a sustainable and interconnected future for both regions.
*The Senior Researcher, Institute of Asian and European Studies, National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan
*The views and research reflect in this paper are those of the author’s and do not necesarily reflect the position of this publication.
