In a landmark move aimed at strengthening regional connectivity, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan have formally signed the Naibabad-Kharlachi Railway Corridor Framework Agreement in Kabul.
This agreement marks a significant step towards establishing a crucial railway link that will connect Central Asia directly 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, who was accompanied by Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi and the special representative for Afghanistan.
Agreement to Link 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 represented their respective countries. The accord encompasses a joint feasibility study for the railway corridor, which is anticipated to significantly facilitate trade, transit, and economic growth across the entire region.
Ishaq Dar hailed the signing as a “historic milestone”, extending congratulations to the governments and people of all three nations. He expressed gratitude to the Uzbek and Afghan foreign ministers for their “cooperation” in bringing the agreement to fruition. Dar stated in a post on X following the signing, “We finalized the details through contacts during the negotiation process.”
He further elaborated, “The railway corridor is an important step to promote regional connectivity and economic activities. 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, attributing the agreement to “his determined leadership.” He highlighted that he was entrusted with advancing this project during 2022–23, laying the groundwork for a transformative 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. Discussions primarily focused on strengthening peace, trade, and connectivity within the region. According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, all countries reiterated their commitment to regional development and emphasized the need for sustained cooperation to achieve shared prosperity.
High-Level Bilateral Engagements
During the agreement signing ceremony in Kabul, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also conducted a bilateral meeting with Afghan Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund. The two leaders engaged in discussions on matters of mutual interest, including trade, security, transit, and regional integration. They mutually 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 sustain the positive momentum in bilateral relations. They reaffirmed their commitment to joint efforts in trade, security, and connectivity. The FO spokesperson added that they also agreed to unlock the full potential of regional economic development and reiterated their commitment to implementing regional connectivity projects.
