Islamabad, 18 July 2023 (WAI): The Afghanistan Embassy in Pakistan is pleased to announce the historic signing of the tripartite agreement for the Trans-Afghan railway project between Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan to enhance regional connectivity on July 18, 2023.
This momentous occasion ushers in a new age of regional cooperation and highlights the three countries’ joint devotion to fostering regional growth and enhancing economic relations.
The joint protocol signing occurred in Pakistan and was attended by senior officials from all three countries. The presence at the ceremony of Pakistan’s Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and Railway Minister Saad Rafiq demonstrated high dedication to this ambitious project.
The Trans-Afghan railway project aims to link Uzbekistan and Pakistan’s railway networks through Afghanistan, establishing a crucial rail route that will pass through Termiz, Uzbekistan, the Afghan provinces of Mazar-e-Sharif and Logar, and end in Pakistan via the Kharlachi border crossing in the Kurram tribal region close to the Afghan border.
By 2030, this vast 760-kilometer rail network will transport up to 15 million tonnes of freight yearly, revolutionizing freight services and facilitating influential passenger travel.
The three nations hope to boost regional trade and promote unheard-of economic growth by putting the Termiz-Logar-Kharlachi railway project into operation.
The enhanced connectivity is expected to drastically shorten cargo delivery times between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, cutting transportation time by approximately five days. Additionally, it is anticipated that the cost of product transport will drop by at least 40%, which will profoundly affect regional trade dynamics.
The Trans-Afghan railway project’s completion by the end of 2027 creates the conditions for a prosperous future by providing abundant options for international commercial collaborations, fostering cultural interaction, and strengthening diplomatic ties.
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This endeavor strengthens the shared devotion to peace, stability, and advancement in the region by stimulating cooperation and understanding.
As the rigorous planning and resource allocation phases continue toward mutual prosperity and look to the future with optimism and determination, the governments of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan emphasize their firm adherence to ensuring the practical completion of this enormous project.
The railway track will represent harmony and collaboration and open new opportunities for future generations.
A student of International Relations interested in National Security strategies, with a good focus on Geo-Politics, Foreign Policy, and Public & Cultural Diplomacy.
