This New Project Will Link Central Asia to Pakistani Seaports for Trade, Transit, and More

Pakistan has signed a trilateral railway agreement with Uzbekistan and Afghanistan to advance regional connectivity and economic integration. The announcement was made by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday.

Naibabad–Kharlachi Rail Link

The agreement outlines the Framework for a Joint Feasibility Study of the Naibabad–Kharlachi rail link, part of the larger Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Corridor. The project aims to link Central Asia to Pakistani seaports through Afghanistan, facilitating trade, transit, and regional integration.

The Foreign Office described the railway project as a “transformational initiative” that will foster economic growth, promote trade routes, and strengthen geopolitical stability in the region. By providing landlocked Central Asian countries access to Pakistani ports, the project is expected to improve connectivity, reduce transit times, and lower transportation costs.

High-Level Engagement in Kabul

The signing ceremony took place in Kabul, where FM Ishaq Dar was joined by Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, the Special Representative for Afghanistan, and the Secretary for Railways.

Dar also held bilateral talks with Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. The two sides reaffirmed their intent to enhance cooperation in trade, transit, and security, and agreed to sustain diplomatic engagement for the advancement of regional development goals.

Pakistan recently upgraded its diplomatic representation in Kabul by elevating its Chargé d’Affaires to the rank of ambassador, a move seen as part of efforts to normalize and expand ties with Afghanistan. Earlier this month, Islamabad and Kabul also launched an additional secretary-level dialogue mechanism to further coordinate on cross-border movement, trade, and connectivity.