Pakistan, Afghanistan agree to finalise framework for UAP railway project

Afghan interim FM Muttaqi also welcomes Pakistan’s decision to upgrade its diplomatic relations to ambassador level

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to work closely for the early finalisation of the framework agreement for the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Line Project. The agreement was reached during a telephone call between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Sunday.

Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Sunday described the improvement of ties with Pakistan as a “very positive development in bilateral relations,” the Afghan foreign ministry said in a statement

The two leaders discussed the strategic importance of the UAP project for regional connectivity and reiterated their commitment to accelerating its implementation. A day earlier, Dar also held a similar discussion with Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Saidov Bakhtiyor Odilovich, focusing on the modalities and timing of the signing ceremony for the trilateral agreement.

The UAP Railway Line Project is aimed at linking Central Asia with Pakistan’s ports through Afghanistan, covering a 573-kilometre route from Tashkent to Peshawar via Kabul. The estimated cost of the project stands at $4.8 billion and is expected to boost regional trade and connectivity.

Muttaqi welcomed Pakistan’s decision to upgrade its diplomatic representation in Kabul from chargé d’affaires to ambassador level, calling it a positive development. He confirmed that Afghanistan would reciprocate by elevating its diplomatic post in Islamabad to the same level.

Both ministers also reviewed progress on decisions made during Dar’s April 19 visit to Kabul and reaffirmed their commitment to building mutual trust. They agreed to continue working together on issues of bilateral and regional importance.

Currently, both countries operate embassies in each other’s capitals, but the missions have been led by chargé d’affaires. Islamabad announced on Friday that it would appoint an ambassador to Kabul, followed by Afghanistan’s announcement the next day to do the same in Islamabad.

China was the first country to accept an ambassador from the Taliban-led government, despite not formally recognising it. Other countries, including the United Arab Emirates, have since followed suit.