Pakistan and Afghanistan are accelerating efforts to deepen regional ties through a multibillion-dollar railway initiative. On Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a high-level call with Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Their discussion centered on finalizing the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Line project.
The planned 573-kilometer rail corridor will link Tashkent to Peshawar via Kabul and eventually reach Pakistan’s major ports—Gwadar and Karachi. At an estimated cost of $4.8 billion, the railway is poised to transform regional trade routes and link Central Asia’s landlocked economies with global markets.
Framework Agreement Nears Completion
During the call, both sides stressed the urgency of signing the framework agreement. This step follows Dar’s earlier coordination with Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Odilovich, aimed at preparing for the upcoming signing ceremony.
If successful, the project will provide a low-cost, high-impact trade route across three key countries. Moreover, it signals growing confidence in cross-border cooperation—something previously hampered by decades of instability.
Diplomatic Relations Shift Upward
In addition to economic cooperation, the two leaders discussed a major diplomatic breakthrough. Pakistan has decided to upgrade its diplomatic mission in Kabul from a chargé d’affaires to full ambassador level. In response, Afghanistan will reciprocate in Islamabad.
Muttaqi welcomed this move, calling it a “milestone in relations between two brotherly countries.” Notably, other states like China and the UAE have also strengthened engagement with the Taliban-led government, indicating a broader trend.
Mutual Goals Reaffirmed
The ministers reviewed agreements signed during Dar’s April visit to Kabul. They reaffirmed their commitment to peace, cooperation, and connectivity across the region.
Though past relations were marked by mistrust, the renewed focus on infrastructure and diplomacy shows progress. Therefore, with the UAP Railway gaining traction and diplomatic ties improving, the two nations are charting a new course.
In the end, this joint momentum may pave the way for lasting stability—built firmly on stronger regional ties.
