Tashkent: Uzbekistan and Pakistan have agreed to establish a trilateral committee with Afghanistan to address matters related to the proposed railway project connecting the three nations.
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev shared details of this initiative during a meeting with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Tashkent. He emphasized joint efforts for the implementation of the strategic railway project, which aims to enhance regional connectivity.
In February 2021, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan signed an agreement to construct a 573-kilometer railway line, linking Central Asia to Pakistan via Afghanistan. The estimated cost of the project is $4.8 billion.
Speaking through an interpreter on Pakistan's national television, President Mirziyoyev said, "For the first time, we had comprehensive discussions on the project."
He added that both sides agreed to form a trilateral committee to resolve project-related challenges and assess available opportunities. He also mentioned discussions on this matter with Afghan officials.
"Now, we will have a trilateral meeting to solve the issues. We understand that this project is our future," Mirziyoyev said, describing the railway as crucial for regional trade and connectivity.
The Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021, leading to international economic restrictions that hindered discussions on the project among Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan.
This development comes as Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban government—still unrecognized internationally—of providing refuge to Pakistani militants, a claim the Taliban deny. Islamabad argues that persistent security threats have obstructed its economic engagements with Kabul.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated concerns over terrorism, stressing that Afghan soil should not be used for militant activities against Pakistan or other nations.
Additionally, both sides explored collaboration in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, machinery, mining, textiles, and trade.
Pakistan and Uzbekistan also agreed to strengthen air connectivity by launching new flight routes between Samarkand, Bukhara, and Karachi.
