In a major move towards transforming regional trade and connectivity, Pakistan has officially signed a trilateral railway agreement with Uzbekistan and Afghanistan.
The deal, announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, marks a critical step forward in the long-anticipated regional economic integration project connecting Central Asia to Pakistani ports.
The agreement, signed in Kabul, aims to build the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Corridor—an ambitious railway link that will facilitate cargo movement from Uzbekistan through Afghanistan into Pakistan, opening direct access to the Arabian Sea for Central Asian nations.
“This project is not just about building a railway. It’s about connecting economies, creating opportunities, and building trust between neighbours,” said DPM Dar in a statement posted on X. He congratulated the people and governments of the three participating countries and highlighted the importance of the Framework Agreement on the Joint Feasibility Study for the Naibabad–Kharlachi rail link.
Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met with Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul, along with senior-level delegations from both sides. pic.twitter.com/hmf3zZ6bl4
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 17, 2025
Dar noted that the foundation for the UAP corridor was laid during the 2022–23 tenure of the PDM government, when he, as Finance Minister, initiated the discussions with what he described as "brotherly countries." Now, as Foreign Minister, he’s seeing that vision take shape.
Dar was present at the signing ceremony alongside Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan, and the secretary for railways. According to the Foreign Office, their presence underscored Pakistan’s strong commitment to seeing the regional economic integration project through to completion.
The Foreign Office emphasized that this agreement is not only a diplomatic milestone but also a strategic one. “It reflects Islamabad’s resolve to enhance regional trade, infrastructure, and cooperation,” the statement read.
Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met with the Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 17, 2025
The two sides called for strengthened efforts to maintain the momentum in bilateral relations and to expand cooperation in trade,… pic.twitter.com/Ge6eYhkDAX
During his visit to Kabul, Dar also met with Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Both sides expressed the desire to expand cooperation in trade, transit, and security, and agreed to sustain momentum in strengthening bilateral ties.
“They reaffirmed their commitment to realising the full potential of regional economic development,” said the FO, highlighting the shared goal of advancing trans-regional connectivity and peace.
Pakistan has been steadily improving diplomatic ties with Afghanistan. Earlier this year, it upgraded its Chargé d’Affaires in Kabul to ambassador-level—a move seen as a sign of growing trust. Additionally, both nations recently held the first round of a new secretary-level mechanism focused on key bilateral issues, such as trade facilitation and border cooperation.
