Latest news with #RailwayProject
Express Tribune
21 hours ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Ishaq Dar to visit kabul to sign tri-nation rail feasibility pact
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is visiting Kabul on Thursday to sign a trilateral agreement on a joint feasibility study for the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan (UAP) Railway Project. Dar is accompanied by federal railways minister, the special assistant to the prime minister on Afghanistan, and the secretary of the ministry of railways, according to a statement by the Foreign Office. 🔊 PR No2️⃣0️⃣8️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ Curtain Raiser: Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar to Visit Afghanistan for Signing of Framework Agreement on Joint Feasibility Study of UAP Railway Project 🔗⬇️ — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 17, 2025 The UAP railway initiative aims to link Uzbekistan with Pakistani seaports via Afghanistan, creating a transit corridor that could transform regional trade and deepen connectivity between Central and South Asia. Read: Pakistan, Afghanistan trade hits $1b in first half of 2025 The signing of the Framework Agreement on the joint feasibility study marks a key milestone in the project's development, and reflects Pakistan's stated commitment to regional infrastructure and economic cooperation. During his one-day visit, Dar is also scheduled to meet Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and will call on the country's acting prime minister. Talks are expected to cover bilateral relations, regional connectivity, and broader international developments. During a phone call last month, Dar and Muttaqi reaffirmed their commitment to the UAP Railway Project and described it as key to unlocking regional connectivity. They also agreed to expedite work on the project's framework agreement. Muttaqi welcomed Pakistan's move to elevate diplomatic relations with Kabul and said Afghanistan would reciprocate, calling the decision a 'positive development' in rebuilding bilateral trust.
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
FM Dar to visit Kabul today to sign feasibility framework of tri-nation rail project
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will undertake a day-long visit to Kabul on Thursday, the Foreign Office (FO) announced today. The FM will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Minister for Railways, SAPM/Special Representative for Afghanistan, and Secretary, Ministry of Railways. The deputy PM will sign the Framework Agreement on Joint Feasibility Study for the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Project, said the FO. Inter-regional rail track finalized to connect Pak, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan 'The UAP Railway Project aims to build a rail link to connect Uzbekistan with Pakistan via Afghanistan and facilitate access to Pakistani seaports for Central Asian States,' the FO said. The ministry added that by facilitating regional trade and transit, the project is expected to promote regional stability, growth and development. 'The DPM/FM's visit underscores the importance Pakistan attaches to the successful realization of the UAP Railway Project. The signing of the Framework Agreement on Joint Feasibility Study between the three participating countries in Kabul will be an important step towards its implementation.' During his visit, Dar will also hold meeting with the Afghan Acting Foreign Minister and will call on Acting Prime Minister of Afghanistan to discuss bilateral matters and exchange views on regional and international developments. The proposed 573-kilometer rail link, stretching from Tashkent through Kabul to Peshawar and connecting to Gwadar and Karachi ports, carries a projected cost of $4.8 billion. It is poised to serve as a vital artery linking Central Asia's landlocked economies to international markets, potentially turbo charging economic ties and fostering deeper regional connectivity.
Business Recorder
18-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Kazan Forum: Pakistan identifies six potential trade corridors
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has identified six potential trade corridors connecting Central Asia, Europe, and Russia through China, Afghanistan and Iran. These include road networks from Karachi to Moscow via China and Kazakhstan, from Gwadar to Moscow via Afghanistan and through Turkmenistan and Iran to Azerbaijan and Russia. Addressing the closing session of the Kazan Forum, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan stated that Pakistan does not merely aspire to serve as a transit point between South Asia and Central Asia, but rather aims to function as an economic bridge. He emphasized that Pakistan has been actively engaged in regional cooperation through various agreements signed in recent years and including proactive participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). He highlighted that the Mazar-e-Sharif to Kohat Railway Project is expected to cost approximately $633 million. Russia invites PM to attend 'Russia-Islamic World: Kazan Forum' Abdul Aleem Khan pointed out that Gwadar Port has already started shipment and cargo services while Pakistan intends to facilitate Central Asia's access to warm waters. Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan reiterated Pakistan's deep interest in enhancing North-South connectivity in the Communications Sector. He said that in Pakistan Sukkur, Hyderabad Motorway M-6 is a focal project for good investment. Federal Minister further noted that since 2023, the National Logistics Cell (NLC) has been providing cargo services to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Moreover, in August last year, Pakistan introduced Visa-On-Arrival facilities for citizens of 126 countries to promote trade and investment. In his address, Federal Minister for Communications elaborated on Pakistan's strategic plans to connect Karachi, Quetta, and Gwadar with Central Asia and Europe through road networks. He also revealed ongoing work on a pilot project for a Railway line to Russia via Iran. Abdul Aleem Khan welcomed the holding of the Kazan Forum and reaffirmed Pakistan's strong commitment to playing an active role in regional development. He expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for hosting the Forum and extended his appreciation to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin and Minister of Transport Roman Starovoyt for their hospitality. On the sidelines of the forum, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan held a bilateral meeting and joint session with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin, accompanied by their respective delegations. Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors with particular emphasis on investments in the Communications Sectors were focused. Federal Minister expressed Pakistan's strong interest in developing a broad-based partnership with Russia. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin underscored Russia's desire for comprehensive regional development and mutual collaboration. He welcomed Pakistan's participation in the Kazan Forum and expressed willingness to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan in economic, cultural, and other fields. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
18-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Kazan Forum: Six potential trade corridors identified
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has identified six potential trade corridors connecting Central Asia, Europe, and Russia through China, Afghanistan and Iran. These include road networks from Karachi to Moscow via China and Kazakhstan, from Gwadar to Moscow via Afghanistan and through Turkmenistan and Iran to Azerbaijan and Russia. Addressing the closing session of the Kazan Forum, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan stated that Pakistan does not merely aspire to serve as a transit point between South Asia and Central Asia but rather aims to function as an economic bridge. He emphasized that Pakistan has been actively engaged in regional cooperation through various agreements signed in recent years and including proactive participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). He highlighted that the Mazar-e-Sharif to Kohat Railway Project is expected to cost approximately $633 million. Russia invites PM to attend 'Russia-Islamic World: Kazan Forum' Abdul Aleem Khan pointed out that Gwadar Port has already started shipment and cargo services while Pakistan intends to facilitate Central Asia's access to warm waters. Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan reiterated Pakistan's deep interest in enhancing North-South connectivity in the Communications Sector. He said that in Pakistan Sukkur, Hyderabad Motorway M-6 is a focal project for good investment. Federal Minister further noted that since 2023, the National Logistics Cell (NLC) has been providing cargo services to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Moreover, in August last year, Pakistan introduced Visa-On-Arrival facilities for citizens of 126 countries to promote trade and investment. In his address, Federal Minister for Communications elaborated on Pakistan's strategic plans to connect Karachi, Quetta, and Gwadar with Central Asia and Europe through road networks. He also revealed ongoing work on a pilot project for a Railway line to Russia via Iran. Abdul Aleem Khan welcomed the holding of the Kazan Forum and reaffirmed Pakistan's strong commitment to playing an active role in regional development. He expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for hosting the Forum and extended his appreciation to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin and Minister of Transport Roman Starovoyt for their hospitality. On the sidelines of the forum, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan held a bilateral meeting and joint session with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin, accompanied by their respective delegations. Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors with particular emphasis on investments in the Communications Sectors were focused. Federal Minister expressed Pakistan's strong interest in developing a broad-based partnership with Russia. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin underscored Russia's desire for comprehensive regional development and mutual collaboration. He welcomed Pakistan's participation in the Kazan Forum and expressed willingness to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan in economic, cultural, and other fields. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
