Trilateral Agreement Advances Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway Project

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Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan have taken a major step forward in regional cooperation by signing a Framework Agreement for a Joint Feasibility Study on the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Project. This agreement, finalized in Kabul, aims to enhance economic integration and trade connectivity across Central and South Asia by developing a critical rail link.

The signing ceremony was held during Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s visit to Kabul. Representing Pakistan, Dar expressed his congratulations to all three countries on this important milestone. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), he underscored the importance of the Naibabad–Kharlachi rail segment, a crucial part of the UAP Railway Corridor, which will facilitate smoother trade routes and transportation networks in the region.

Dar also acknowledged the efforts of his counterparts from Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, praising the sustained diplomatic engagement that made the agreement possible. The three nations collaborated closely during negotiations, demonstrating a shared commitment to advancing infrastructure projects that promise long-term economic benefits.

The UAP Railway Project is designed to create a vital transit corridor through Afghanistan, linking Central Asia’s Uzbekistan with South Asia’s Pakistan. This corridor is expected to boost trade and connectivity, helping to unlock economic potential across the region. Such initiatives hold particular importance as they encourage collaboration beyond borders and support stability through economic interdependence.

While Afghanistan’s current government remains a subject of international debate, it is clear that regional actors continue to prioritize practical cooperation on infrastructure and trade to serve broader economic interests. The UAP Railway Project exemplifies this pragmatic approach to regional development.

As this joint feasibility study progresses, stakeholders will focus on addressing technical, financial, and security challenges to ensure the railway corridor becomes a functional reality. The success of this endeavor could signal a new era of enhanced regional connectivity and prosperity.