Pakistan and Uzbekistan are advancing talks to finalize a framework agreement for the UAP railway line, a major regional project aimed at transforming trade routes. This 573-kilometer railway will link Uzbekistan to Pakistan through Afghanistan, enhancing regional trade and positioning Pakistan as a vital transit hub for Central Asia.
Strategic Rail Link for Regional Trade
The $4.8 billion Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) railway line seeks to connect the Uzbek city of Termiz to Peshawar, passing through Afghanistan’s Mazar-i-Sharif. The goal is to boost trade, streamline logistics, and open direct access to global markets for landlocked Central Asian countries.
On Sunday, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with his Uzbek counterpart, Saidov Bakhtiyor Odilovich. Both leaders expressed optimism that the framework agreement would be finalized soon, according to Pakistan’s foreign office.
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Trilateral Cooperation Gathers Pace
The three countries signed the initial agreement for the railway in February 2021. Since then, Pakistan has actively pursued the project. In April, Dar traveled to Kabul to engage the Afghan Taliban government and advance discussions on the rail link.
Pakistan’s Strategic Role Grows
Beyond the railway, Islamabad and Tashkent have taken steps to improve trade infrastructure. These include optimizing cargo flows, creating green customs corridors, and introducing digital systems to ease cross-border trade.
High-level engagements between Pakistan and Central Asian nations have intensified since last year, with economic and investment discussions aimed at deeper regional integration.
The UAP railway line stands out as a game-changing project that could redefine trade routes in the region. If completed, it will shorten transportation time, reduce trade costs, and significantly strengthen regional economic ties.
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