Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will visit Kabul today to sign a Framework Agreement for the joint feasibility study of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Project. The Foreign Office stated that this rail link will connect Uzbekistan to Pakistan via Afghanistan, providing Central Asian states access to Pakistani seaports and boosting regional trade.
Boosting Regional Trade & Stability
The UAP Railway is expected to enhance transit efficiency, economic growth, and regional stability. FM Dar will be accompanied by Pakistan’s railways minister, special representative for Afghanistan, and foreign secretary, highlighting Islamabad’s strong commitment to the project. The agreement marks a crucial step toward realizing this transformative infrastructure initiative.
Bilateral Talks on Key Issues
During his visit, FM Dar will meet Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister and call on the acting prime minister to discuss bilateral relations, security, and regional developments. This follows recent efforts to strengthen ties, including Pakistan’s decision in May to upgrade its diplomatic mission in Kabul to ambassadorial level.
Progress in Pak-Afghan Relations
Earlier this month, both countries agreed to facilitate legal cross-border movement during foreign ministry-level talks. They also discussed trade, transit cooperation, and counterterrorism, recognizing terrorism as a major threat to regional security. The UAP Railway Project signifies a new chapter in regional connectivity and economic collaboration.