Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan are set to sign a joint protocol today to connect their respective rail networks.

The agreed-upon route will pass through Termiz in Uzbekistan, Mazar-i-Sharif and Logar in Afghanistan, and ultimately reach Pakistan via the Kharlachi border crossing in Kurram.

The trilateral working group of the three countries met in Islamabad on Monday to finalize the route for the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) railways project.

The Ministry of Railways announced that this project aims to boost regional and bilateral trade while improving people-to-people connections in the entire region.

The railway line will accommodate both passenger and freight services, fostering regional trade and economic growth. The collaboration of experts from the three railway networks was instrumental in reaching a consensus on the final route and its implementation details.

Uzbekistan estimates that the 760km railroad could be completed by the end of 2027, allowing trains to transport up to 15 million tons of goods annually by 2030.

Additionally, the three countries have already signed a strategic plan to construct a Trans-Afghan railway, spanning 573km, that will connect Central Asia with ports on the Arabian Sea.

The agreement includes provisions for a joint expedition to survey the route and terrain, as well as a preliminary feasibility study for the project.

These initiatives hold great promise for boosting trade, connectivity, and regional cooperation among Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan, benefiting the economies and people of all three nations. (ILKHA)