In a significant development for regional connectivity, economic integration, and security cooperation, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan have signed the Framework Agreement on the Joint Feasibility Study for the proposed Naibabad–Kharlachi rail link—a key segment of the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan (UAP) Railway Corridor.
The agreement, hailed as a diplomatic and infrastructural milestone, marks the formal beginning of a strategic trilateral initiative aimed at connecting Central Asia to Pakistani seaports through Afghanistan. The proposed corridor is expected to enhance trade, reduce transport costs, and open new avenues for investment across the region.
Congratulating the governments and people of the three countries, former Finance Minister of Pakistan Ishaq Dar stated:
“We remained closely engaged throughout the negotiation process to finalise the details. I also thank the Foreign Ministers of Uzbekistan and Afghanistan for their support and commitment in making this happen.”
Dar emphasized that the project is not just a transport link but a symbol of regional solidarity. He also credited the leadership of the previous PDM Government (2022–23) under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during which Pakistan took key diplomatic steps to lay the groundwork for this corridor.
Security Implications and Regional Stability
Beyond economic benefits, the UAP Railway Corridor carries important security implications. Experts believe that stronger regional cooperation and economic interdependence will contribute to reduced militant influence in border regions. Improved trade routes and infrastructure compel all involved states, particularly Afghanistan, to protect their shared interests, leading to enhanced internal stability.
By anchoring Afghanistan into a multilateral framework that promotes peaceful commerce and development, the project offers incentives for Kabul to ensure security along critical supply and transit routes. The corridor also reinforces Pakistan’s broader regional vision of connectivity through cooperation, not conflict.
Next Steps
The agreement paves the way for a detailed feasibility study, after which technical, financial, and operational frameworks will be developed. Officials expect that successful implementation will strengthen economic corridors, boost regional GDP, and position Pakistan as a trade gateway between South and Central Asia.
Analysts say that if political will and mutual trust are maintained, the UAP Railway Corridor could become a transformational project for the region—one that not only binds economies but also reinforces peace.
