PESHAWAR – Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Taliban-led Afghanistan signed a landmark feasibility agreement in Kabul for the Trans-Afghan Railway. This ambitious project aims to reshape trade across Central and South Asia. It could link landlocked Central Asian nations to Pakistan’s Arabian Sea ports, boosting regional commerce.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar led the delegation. Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and special envoy Mohammad Sadiq Khan joined him. The Taliban’s Minister for Public Works and Uzbekistan’s Transport Minister signed the accord. This deal builds on a 2023 trilateral agreement to advance the Trans-Afghan Railway.
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Railway Route to Reshape Regional Trade
The proposed railway will start in Termez, Uzbekistan. It will pass through Mazar-i-Sharif and Logar in Afghanistan. The route ends at Kharlachi in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The rail link promises to cut freight transit times and costs. It offers Central Asian states faster access to global markets via Pakistan’s ports.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office shared the news on X. The post called the visit a key step in trilateral cooperation. The agreement marks a rare moment of unity among nations with complex histories. The Trans-Afghan Railway could drive economic integration and stability in a region marked by decades of conflict.
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During the Kabul visit, Dar met Taliban acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. They discussed bilateral relations and regional dynamics. Talks also covered global developments impacting the region. The meetings included both bilateral and trilateral sessions, focusing on the railway’s potential.
Challenges on The Track
The Trans-Afghan Railway faces significant hurdles. Security risks in Afghanistan remain a concern. Logistical challenges and funding uncertainties could delay progress. Yet, the project’s symbolic weight is undeniable. It reflects a shared vision to bridge divides through infrastructure.
If completed, the railway could transform trade routes. It would connect Uzbekistan and other Central Asian states to global markets. Reduced transit times could lower costs for goods. The project may also foster trust among nations navigating a post-U.S. withdrawal landscape.
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Diplomats see the railway as a confidence-building measure. It could stabilize a region long defined by division. The feasibility phase is just the start, but the commitment signals hope. The Trans-Afghan Railway may lay tracks for peace and prosperity.
As the world watches, this project could redefine the region’s future. Steel rails might succeed where conflicts failed, uniting markets and nations. The Trans-Afghan Railway stands as a bold bet on connectivity over division.
