Pakistan and Uzbekistan discuss Trilateral Railway Project with Afghanistan

Pakistan and Uzbekistan discussed the regional railway project linking Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, aiming to enhance regional connectivity by 2027.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with his Uzbek counterpart, Bakhtiyor Saidov, to discuss the progress of a proposed trilateral railway line connecting Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

According to a statement released on Sunday, May 25, by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on X, both ministers exchanged views on advancing the regional connectivity project, known as the Trans-Afghan Railway.

The ministers expressed optimism that the framework agreement for the railway project would soon be finalized. This agreement is seen as a critical milestone toward enhancing regional trade and connectivity in Central and South Asia.

Earlier, Uzbek authorities had announced that the railway line linking Tashkent, Kabul, and Islamabad is expected to be completed by 2027, pending successful cooperation and stability in Afghanistan.

The Trans-Afghan Railway—also referred to as the Afghan-Trans project—is one of the most ambitious infrastructure initiatives for Afghanistan, aiming to transform the country into a trade bridge linking Central Asia to Pakistani seaports.

In February 2025, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met in Tashkent and agreed to form a trilateral committee with Afghan representatives to address implementation hurdles and coordinate efforts.

If completed, the railway will significantly reduce cargo transit times between Central Asia and South Asia, boosting trade and regional economic integration. The project has also attracted attention from international stakeholders seeking stable and cost-effective trade routes.

However, the success of the project hinges on regional security, especially in Afghanistan, and continued political commitment among the three nations involved. International support and private investment will also be vital to meeting the 2027 completion target.

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