Pakistan and Afghanistan Sign Key Railway Agreement with Uzbekistan

Strategic Insights -

The visit of Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, to Kabul, marked an important step forward in the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Project. The project aims to connect landlocked Central Asia to Pakistan's Gwadar and Karachi ports, promoting economic growth and trade routes. The proposed railway line will pass through major cities in Afghanistan and Pakistan, creating jobs and bringing long-term investment to underdeveloped areas. The project is expected to significantly reduce cargo costs and travel time.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Framework for a Joint Feasibility Study of the UAP Railway Project will be finalized through the agreement.
  • The proposed railway line will begin in Termiz, Uzbekistan, and pass through major cities in Afghanistan, including Mazar-i-Sharif and Logar.
  • The 760-kilometre route will connect Central Asian countries to Pakistan's Gwadar and Karachi ports.
  • The railway will carry both freight and passengers and is expected to reduce cargo costs and travel time significantly.
  • The project is expected to promote economic growth, improve trade routes, create jobs, and bring long-term investment to underdeveloped areas.
  • The project may also help boost regional peace and trust among the three countries by improving physical and economic connectivity.
  • Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, led a high-level delegation that included Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, the Special Representative for Afghanistan, and the Railways Secretary.
  • Dar held a phone conversation with Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov earlier this month to review progress on the project.
  • Pakistan and Uzbekistan agreed to start initial work on the rail corridor in June, calling it a 'milestone' for the region.

Statistics:

  • The proposed railway line is 760 kilometres long.
  • The project is expected to create jobs and bring long-term investment to underdeveloped areas.
  • The project will connect landlocked Central Asia to Pakistan's Gwadar and Karachi ports.
  • The project is expected to significantly reduce cargo costs and travel time.

Sources:

  • Pakistan's Foreign Office (no date).
  • [1] Pakistan's Foreign Office (no date).