Abstract
Central Asia, Pakistan's western extended peripheral region, has extensive economic, political and strategic importance. The region drew the interests of regional and extra-regional players after the disintegration of the USSR in 1991, owing to its geo-strategic location and extensive natural resources, particularly energy resources. The main objective of this study is to know why did Pakistan actively engage in Central Asia Since 1991? The complex interdependence theory helps to understand this engagement. There are many important economic, political, strategic and interdependency reasons behind the projection of interests and active engagement of Pakistan in Central Asia. Central Asian Republics (CARs) are potential partners of Pakistan in both regional and international affairs and have strategic importance to counter-balance India, office cost-effective energy resources, and potential trade market. Likewise, for the landlocked CARs, the geo-strategic location of Pakistan, inter-regional connectivity, quest to get access to the nearest seaport, and diversification of the export market for their energy resources are some compelling factors to tilt towards Pakistan. Their religious affinity and historical linkages have also worked to engage them actively. This study explores and analyses the rationales behind Pakistan's active engagement in Central Asia in light of the country's broader regional policy. The study is based on secondary data using the Content Analysis Technique.
Published Version
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