CARPEC – Wakhan Tunnel Corridor: A New Framework for Eurasian Connectivity and Collaborative Security

Abstract

The evolving international order is increasingly shaped by geo-economics and strategic connectivity rather than military power alone. Despite its strategic location at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, Western China and the Middle East, Pakistan lacks direct, all-weather connectivity with the resource-rich Eurasian heartland.

This paper proposes the Central Asia–Russia–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CARPEC), anchored by a 22 km Wakhan Tunnel Corridor, as a transformative initiative linking Pakistan with Tajikistan, Central Asia and Russia through Afghanistan's Wakhan Corridor. Building upon CPEC, CARPEC is presented as a framework for regional connectivity, trade, energy security and collaborative security. The paper introduces the concept of Pakistan as the Strategic Funnel of Eurasia and advances the CARPEC Doctrine, founded on sovereign equality, beneficiary-funded development and shared prosperity.

To ensure financial sustainability, the paper recommends a Build–Own–Operate–Transfer (BOOT) model supported by beneficiary countries, multilateral institutions and private investors. By leveraging its geography, ports and security architecture, Pakistan can transform itself into the principal gateway between the Eurasian Heartland and the Arabian Sea, fostering regional integration, economic resilience and collaborative security.