There has been a long talk of Pakistan being a future global logistic hub and it makes perfect sense. Geographically, no doubt Pakistan is situated on the trade cross-roads of East-West, North-South, even Northeastern-Southwestern and Northwestern-Southeastern trade routes. If that sounds strange to anybody, please consult an authentic atlas of the area. Having said that, the point is what is needed to reach that visionary future state.

Currently, GOP is working agressively on Gwadar Port and a few highways but IMHO, the policy makers need to work concurrently on the following means of communication / transportation.

1. MULTIPLE MERCHANT NAVY PORTS: At least 3 but preferably 5 ports including modernization of current ports including port Qasim and Karachi.

2. HIGHWAY SYSTEM: A very reliable highway system along the lines of US Interstate highway system that has high level of predictability of total run-through time from point of origin to destination, without labor strikes or traffic blockades.

3. GROUND TRANSPORTATION: A fleet of reliable ground trasportation along the "FEDEX Customer Critial" system. Pakistan already has a successful business case in the form of NLC.

4. RAILWAY SYSTEM: Another form of ground transportation to supplement highway traffic but also to reduce burden on petroleum fuel transportation. I would use German DB as a model.

5. A CARGO AIRLINE: Develop PIA or a new airline for international freight only along the lines of FEDEX, UPS or DHL. Examples of little countries having big (and successful) cargo airlines like KLM of Holland or Thai Air or Singapore Airlines. There are tons of aircrafts available at dirt cheap price due to a recession in western aviation business. WARNING: Let the company run by fanatically devoted person like air marshal Noor Khan or Asghar Khan. PIA used to be benchmark small airline during their times. If it is given to "professional bounty hunters", it will become another drug carrier.

6. IT INFRA-STRUCTURE: A rock-solid and reliable ERP system from the business leaders like IBM or Microsoft. With very strict contractual agreement about security from Indian interest people. May be SAP would be a better choice than the former two.

If these sectors are not developed concurrently, there will be limited advantage from the projects at hand. Since I have limited current knowledge, please write about current progress in these areas.

RB