Himalayan Eagle, Caucasian Panther and Silk Road

2026-06-05

Pakistan's economy is one of the largest in South Asia. With a population of over 240 million, the country's main sectors of economy are agriculture (cotton, wheat, rice, sugarcane), industry (textiles are the largest export sector) and services (banking, telecommunications and IT sectors).

Current situation

In recent years, Pakistan has been facing economic difficulties: high inflation, external debt and a decrease in foreign exchange reserves. However, in 2024–2026, the economy is on a path to relative stabilization. According to the World Bank, economic growth is around 2.7–3%.

Main challenges

High public debt; energy problems; low exports compared to the size of the economy; Climate risks and floods; the need to reduce poverty and unemployment.

Prospects

If tax, trade and public sector reforms continue, international organizations expect moderate economic growth in the coming years. Of particular importance will be the growth of exports, foreign investment and the development of the IT sector.

Transit route of the future

The most realistic and economically profitable route for Pakistan runs through Iran and Azerbaijan: Pakistan → Iran → Azerbaijan → Georgia → Europe.

This route is based on the South-West Transport Corridor, which connects South Asia, Iran, Azerbaijan and Georgia, and then via the Black Sea to Europe.

Caucasian Panther

Benefits for Georgia: Increased throughput and transit revenues of the ports of Poti and Batumi; Expanding trade with Pakistan and Central Asia; Strengthening Georgia’s role as a key hub in the “Middle Corridor.”

Strategic Benefits

Pakistan gains direct access to Black Sea ports; Caucasus Panther Georgia becomes a hub connecting South Asia and Europe; Increasing cargo turnover at the ports of Poti and Batumi/Anaklia; Decreasing dependence on sea routes.

Pakistan (Karachi / Lahore / Quetta)

▼ ~ 2 - 4 days

Iran (Zahedan → Tehran → Tabriz)

▼ ~ 3 - 5 days

Azerbaijan (Baku)

▼ ~ 1 - 2 days

Georgia (Tbilisi → Poti / Batumi / Akhalkalaki)

▼ ~ 1 day

Black Sea → Europe

Total transit time: 7 - 12 days (depending on the type of cargo and customs processes).

Let's compare the land-transit route and the classic sea route:

1) Land route

Pakistan → Iran → Azerbaijan → Georgia → Black Sea → Europe

Time: 7 - 12 days

Features:

● Multimodal (train + trailer);

● Crossing many borders;

● Medium/high risk of delays (customs, politics)

Advantages:

○ Much faster than sea

○ “Short cut” to Europe

○ Fast distribution via Black Sea ports (Poti/Batumi)

Disadvantages:

□ Complex logistics (3 countries + customs)

□ Often more expensive per ton

□ Infrastructure dependent

2) Sea route

Pakistan (Karachi) → Arabian Sea → Indian Ocean → Suez Canal (Egypt) → Mediterranean Sea → Europe (Italy / Greece / Germany)

Time: 20 – 35 days (sometimes 40+)

Features:

● Completely sea-based

● Ideal for large volume cargo

● Most stable global route

Advantages:

○ Cheaper for large cargo

○ High capacity (bulk container shipping)

○ Less Border problems

Disadvantages:

□ Very slow

□ Dependent on the Suez Canal and global crises

□ Long way to Europe

Direct comparison

Factor

● Land corridor | ○ Sea route

Time

● 7–12 days | ○ 20–35 days

Cost

● Medium/high | ○ Low

Capacity

● Medium | ○ Very high

Risk

● Customs/political | ○ Ports/channel

Speed

● High | ○ Low

Stability

● Medium | ○ High

Conclusion: If the goal is speed, the land corridor through Georgia is better. If the goal is cheap and massive transportation, the sea route is better.

Author: Zurab Maghradze

Sources: worldbank.org; worldbank.org;

transit.gov.az; osw.waw.pl; sofmar.ge;

mincom.gov.az; president.az