Latest news with #RailwayProject
AllAfrica
22-07-2025
- Business
- AllAfrica
Trans-Afghan peace train pact puts trade over turmoil
On July 17, 2025, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan signed a trilateral Framework Agreement on the Joint Feasibility Study of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Project during a high-level meeting in Kabul. This agreement marks a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen regional connectivity and economic integration by linking Central Asia with South Asia through a strategic rail corridor. The planned route will pass through Termez in Uzbekistan, Mazar-i-Sharif and Logar in Afghanistan and enter Pakistan via the Khyber Pass, ultimately connecting to Pakistani seaports. All three countries reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful cooperation, enhanced trade and shared regional prosperity. The railway is envisioned to facilitate both passenger and freight services while supporting bilateral, regional and transit trade. The Trans-Afghan Railway, initially proposed in 2018, is projected to span over 700 kilometers across Afghanistan and drastically reduce transport time from Central Asia to the Arabian Sea from several weeks to just a few days. Upon successful completion, the railway is expected to carry up to 20 million tons of cargo annually, establishing a vital trade corridor between Central Asia and seaports. This would significantly lower shipping costs, enhance trade efficiency and provide Afghanistan with much-needed transit revenue. The project has drawn interest from international stakeholders, including Russia, Iran and financial institutions, though political instability and funding gaps, especially within Afghanistan have posed challenges. Nonetheless, the recent trilateral agreement signals renewed momentum and a strong political will to move the project forward. Afghan officials have welcomed the development as a critical step toward regional economic integration, emphasizing that improved infrastructure could contribute to long-term stability and development in Afghanistan. UAP Trans-Afghan Railway project holds profound strategic significance for all of Eurasia, promising to transform the region into a hub of trade, connectivity and cooperation. By linking Central Asia to Pakistan's southern ports, the corridor will not only facilitate access to global markets but also play a pivotal role in Afghanistan's economic recovery and integration. The trilateral collaboration between Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan signals a shared vision for regional prosperity, where economic interdependence can help ease political tensions, foster trust and promote long-term stability. As the railway progresses, it is expected to generate thousands of jobs, spur infrastructure development and stimulate key sectors such as agriculture, textiles, construction and logistics. Uzbekistan's commitment to expanding trade ties and enhancing the role of the Termez International Trade Center further underscores the project's potential to become a cornerstone of regional growth and peacebuilding. As part of the next phase of the UAP Railway Project, the three partner nations have agreed to establish a Tripartite Coordination Committee to oversee technical studies, finalize financing models, and manage the overall implementation of the US$4.8 billion project, targeted for completion by 2027. More than just a physical infrastructure initiative, the railway is envisioned as a 'bridge of trust,' reshaping trade routes, unlocking the region's vast economic potential, and fostering political goodwill. Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi hailed the agreement as a 'significant milestone' in regional diplomacy, highlighting the deepening cooperation that also led to the recent restoration of full ambassadorial-level ties between Kabul and Islamabad. Although not formally part of the agreement, China has quietly supported the initiative, viewing it as a complementary extension of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Its involvement underscores both Beijing's commitment to regional connectivity and the diminishing role of India in post-2021 Afghanistan. The UAP Railway aligns closely with Pakistan's strategic objective of transforming itself into a vital trade and transit hub connecting Central Asia, China and the Middle East. With growing cooperation with Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, Pakistan is creating new geopolitical space to rebalance its regional posture. This shift enables Islamabad to focus its geopolitical bandwidth more effectively on pressing challenges along its eastern front, particularly its complex relationship with India. The strengthening of western ties through economic corridors not only boosts Pakistan's regional standing but also contributes to long-term stability by integrating fractured economies, reducing mutual mistrust, and promoting shared prosperity across the broader Eurasian region. Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, during his second visit to Kabul in three months, also held high-level talks with Afghanistan's acting leadership, including Prime Minister Mullah Hassan Akhund, Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, and Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani. The meetings underscored the growing momentum in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, with both sides reaffirming their shared commitment to peace, trade, and regional connectivity. Emphasis was given to sustained cooperation to unlock economic opportunities and ensure long-term prosperity across the region. In his discussions with the Afghan leadership, Dar emphasized the importance of addressing key issues, including security, border management, and transit cooperation, stressing that resolving these matters was vital for realizing the full potential of regional integration. The reaffirmation of earlier commitments, including those made in April 2025, reflected a mutual desire to maintain high-level engagement and strengthen bilateral ties in pursuit of common goals. In a nutshell, the UAP Railway Project represents more than just a transport initiative; it is a blueprint for regional transformation through economic integration, strategic cooperation, and mutual trust. While the recent thaw in Pakistani-Taliban relations has provided fresh momentum to expedite progress on the railway, the fragile nature of this détente amid ongoing cross-border militant activity remains a key challenge. Nevertheless, if the current truce between Islamabad and Kabul holds, it could mark a turning point, bringing the three nations significantly closer to realizing a project that promises to reshape trade routes, stimulate economic growth and solidify their roles as vital transit hubs. By investing in connectivity and sustaining political engagement, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan are laying the groundwork for a more stable, prosperous and interconnected Eurasian region where infrastructure serves not only economic goals but also peacebuilding and regional trust. Saima Afzal is an independent and freelance researcher specializing in South Asian security, the Middle East, Afghanistan and the Indo-Pacific. Her work focuses on geopolitical developments, strategic affairs and regional conflict dynamics.
Express Tribune
17-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Ishaq Dar to visit kabul to sign tri-nation rail feasibility pact
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is visiting Kabul on Thursday to sign a trilateral agreement on a joint feasibility study for the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan (UAP) Railway Project. Dar is accompanied by federal railways minister, the special assistant to the prime minister on Afghanistan, and the secretary of the ministry of railways, according to a statement by the Foreign Office. 🔊 PR No2️⃣0️⃣8️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ Curtain Raiser: Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar to Visit Afghanistan for Signing of Framework Agreement on Joint Feasibility Study of UAP Railway Project 🔗⬇️ — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 17, 2025 The UAP railway initiative aims to link Uzbekistan with Pakistani seaports via Afghanistan, creating a transit corridor that could transform regional trade and deepen connectivity between Central and South Asia. Read: Pakistan, Afghanistan trade hits $1b in first half of 2025 The signing of the Framework Agreement on the joint feasibility study marks a key milestone in the project's development, and reflects Pakistan's stated commitment to regional infrastructure and economic cooperation. During his one-day visit, Dar is also scheduled to meet Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and will call on the country's acting prime minister. Talks are expected to cover bilateral relations, regional connectivity, and broader international developments. During a phone call last month, Dar and Muttaqi reaffirmed their commitment to the UAP Railway Project and described it as key to unlocking regional connectivity. They also agreed to expedite work on the project's framework agreement. Muttaqi welcomed Pakistan's move to elevate diplomatic relations with Kabul and said Afghanistan would reciprocate, calling the decision a 'positive development' in rebuilding bilateral trust.
Business Recorder
17-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
FM Dar to visit Kabul today to sign feasibility framework of tri-nation rail project
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will undertake a day-long visit to Kabul on Thursday, the Foreign Office (FO) announced today. The FM will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Minister for Railways, SAPM/Special Representative for Afghanistan, and Secretary, Ministry of Railways. The deputy PM will sign the Framework Agreement on Joint Feasibility Study for the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Project, said the FO. Inter-regional rail track finalized to connect Pak, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan 'The UAP Railway Project aims to build a rail link to connect Uzbekistan with Pakistan via Afghanistan and facilitate access to Pakistani seaports for Central Asian States,' the FO said. The ministry added that by facilitating regional trade and transit, the project is expected to promote regional stability, growth and development. 'The DPM/FM's visit underscores the importance Pakistan attaches to the successful realization of the UAP Railway Project. The signing of the Framework Agreement on Joint Feasibility Study between the three participating countries in Kabul will be an important step towards its implementation.' During his visit, Dar will also hold meeting with the Afghan Acting Foreign Minister and will call on Acting Prime Minister of Afghanistan to discuss bilateral matters and exchange views on regional and international developments. The proposed 573-kilometer rail link, stretching from Tashkent through Kabul to Peshawar and connecting to Gwadar and Karachi ports, carries a projected cost of $4.8 billion. It is poised to serve as a vital artery linking Central Asia's landlocked economies to international markets, potentially turbo charging economic ties and fostering deeper regional connectivity.
Business Recorder
18-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Kazan Forum: Pakistan identifies six potential trade corridors
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has identified six potential trade corridors connecting Central Asia, Europe, and Russia through China, Afghanistan and Iran. These include road networks from Karachi to Moscow via China and Kazakhstan, from Gwadar to Moscow via Afghanistan and through Turkmenistan and Iran to Azerbaijan and Russia. Addressing the closing session of the Kazan Forum, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan stated that Pakistan does not merely aspire to serve as a transit point between South Asia and Central Asia, but rather aims to function as an economic bridge. He emphasized that Pakistan has been actively engaged in regional cooperation through various agreements signed in recent years and including proactive participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). He highlighted that the Mazar-e-Sharif to Kohat Railway Project is expected to cost approximately $633 million. Russia invites PM to attend 'Russia-Islamic World: Kazan Forum' Abdul Aleem Khan pointed out that Gwadar Port has already started shipment and cargo services while Pakistan intends to facilitate Central Asia's access to warm waters. Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan reiterated Pakistan's deep interest in enhancing North-South connectivity in the Communications Sector. He said that in Pakistan Sukkur, Hyderabad Motorway M-6 is a focal project for good investment. Federal Minister further noted that since 2023, the National Logistics Cell (NLC) has been providing cargo services to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Moreover, in August last year, Pakistan introduced Visa-On-Arrival facilities for citizens of 126 countries to promote trade and investment. In his address, Federal Minister for Communications elaborated on Pakistan's strategic plans to connect Karachi, Quetta, and Gwadar with Central Asia and Europe through road networks. He also revealed ongoing work on a pilot project for a Railway line to Russia via Iran. Abdul Aleem Khan welcomed the holding of the Kazan Forum and reaffirmed Pakistan's strong commitment to playing an active role in regional development. He expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for hosting the Forum and extended his appreciation to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin and Minister of Transport Roman Starovoyt for their hospitality. On the sidelines of the forum, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan held a bilateral meeting and joint session with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin, accompanied by their respective delegations. Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors with particular emphasis on investments in the Communications Sectors were focused. Federal Minister expressed Pakistan's strong interest in developing a broad-based partnership with Russia. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin underscored Russia's desire for comprehensive regional development and mutual collaboration. He welcomed Pakistan's participation in the Kazan Forum and expressed willingness to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan in economic, cultural, and other fields. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
18-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Kazan Forum: Six potential trade corridors identified
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has identified six potential trade corridors connecting Central Asia, Europe, and Russia through China, Afghanistan and Iran. These include road networks from Karachi to Moscow via China and Kazakhstan, from Gwadar to Moscow via Afghanistan and through Turkmenistan and Iran to Azerbaijan and Russia. Addressing the closing session of the Kazan Forum, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan stated that Pakistan does not merely aspire to serve as a transit point between South Asia and Central Asia but rather aims to function as an economic bridge. He emphasized that Pakistan has been actively engaged in regional cooperation through various agreements signed in recent years and including proactive participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). He highlighted that the Mazar-e-Sharif to Kohat Railway Project is expected to cost approximately $633 million. Russia invites PM to attend 'Russia-Islamic World: Kazan Forum' Abdul Aleem Khan pointed out that Gwadar Port has already started shipment and cargo services while Pakistan intends to facilitate Central Asia's access to warm waters. Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan reiterated Pakistan's deep interest in enhancing North-South connectivity in the Communications Sector. He said that in Pakistan Sukkur, Hyderabad Motorway M-6 is a focal project for good investment. Federal Minister further noted that since 2023, the National Logistics Cell (NLC) has been providing cargo services to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Moreover, in August last year, Pakistan introduced Visa-On-Arrival facilities for citizens of 126 countries to promote trade and investment. In his address, Federal Minister for Communications elaborated on Pakistan's strategic plans to connect Karachi, Quetta, and Gwadar with Central Asia and Europe through road networks. He also revealed ongoing work on a pilot project for a Railway line to Russia via Iran. Abdul Aleem Khan welcomed the holding of the Kazan Forum and reaffirmed Pakistan's strong commitment to playing an active role in regional development. He expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for hosting the Forum and extended his appreciation to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin and Minister of Transport Roman Starovoyt for their hospitality. On the sidelines of the forum, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan held a bilateral meeting and joint session with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin, accompanied by their respective delegations. Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors with particular emphasis on investments in the Communications Sectors were focused. Federal Minister expressed Pakistan's strong interest in developing a broad-based partnership with Russia. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin underscored Russia's desire for comprehensive regional development and mutual collaboration. He welcomed Pakistan's participation in the Kazan Forum and expressed willingness to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan in economic, cultural, and other fields. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
