In a landmark move aimed at strengthening regional connectivity, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan have signed the Naibabad-Kharlachi Railway Corridor Framework Agreement in Kabul.
The agreement marks a significant step toward establishing a railway link that will connect Central Asia to Pakistani seaports via Afghanistan.
The signing ceremony took place during the visit of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Kabul. He was accompanied by Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi and the special representative for Afghanistan.
Agreement signed to connect Central Asia with Pakistani ports
The trilateral agreement was signed by Hanif Abbasi on behalf of Pakistan, while the foreign ministers of Afghanistan and Uzbekistan signed for their respective countries. The agreement covers a joint feasibility study for the railway corridor, which is expected to facilitate trade, transit, and economic growth across the region.
Ishaq Dar hailed the signing as a "historic milestone" and congratulated the governments and people of all three countries. He thanked the Uzbek and Afghan foreign ministers for their "cooperation" in the agreement. "We finalized the details through contacts during the negotiation process," Dar said in a post on X following the signing.
“The railway corridor is an important step to promote regional connectivity and economic activities,” he said. “This project will link Central Asian countries with Afghanistan and eventually to Pakistani ports, opening new avenues for trade and cooperation.”
Dar also acknowledged the pivotal role of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, calling the agreement “a result of his determined leadership.” He noted that he was entrusted with the responsibility of advancing the project during 2022–23, laying the groundwork for a transformational initiative with Pakistan’s “brotherly countries.”
Trilateral meeting focuses on peace and development
Prior to the agreement’s signing, a trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan was held in Kabul. The discussions focused on strengthening peace, trade, and connectivity in the region. According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, the countries reiterated their commitment to regional development and agreed on the need for sustained cooperation for shared prosperity.
High-level bilateral engagements
At the agreement signing ceremony in Kabul, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also held a bilateral meeting with Afghan Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund. The two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest, including trade, security, transit, and regional integration. They agreed to maintain high-level contacts to further enhance Pak-Afghan relations.
Additionally, Ishaq Dar met with his Afghan counterpart, Amir Khan Muttaqi, where both sides agreed to continue momentum in bilateral relations. They reaffirmed their commitment to joint efforts in trade, security, and connectivity.
They also agreed to achieve the full potential of regional economic development, and reaffirmed the commitment to implement regional connectivity projects, the FO spokesperson said.
