Islamabad: Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan have signed a historic trilateral railway agreement to promote regional connectivity and economic integration, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Thursday.
The Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Project will connect Uzbekistan to Pakistan through Afghanistan, offering Central Asian countries direct access to Pakistani seaports. The Foreign Office called the project a key step toward economic growth and regional peace.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), DPM Dar said:
“Congratulations to the people and governments of the three brotherly nations. The signing of the Framework Agreement on the Joint Feasibility Study is a major milestone toward our shared vision of connectivity and development.”
Dar added that this agreement is the outcome of groundwork laid during the 2022–23 PDM government, during which he led efforts to launch the UAP Corridor while serving as finance minister.
Meeting with Afghan FM
During the visit to Kabul, DPM Dar also held a high-level meeting with Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Both sides agreed to expand cooperation in trade, transit, and security, and emphasized continued engagement for regional economic development.
Strengthening Diplomatic Ties
In May, Pakistan elevated its diplomatic mission in Afghanistan by appointing an ambassador instead of a chargé d’affaires. Earlier this month, both countries also launched a formal dialogue at the additional secretary level to coordinate legal cross-border movement and cooperation on regional security.
