Shaheer Ahmed
Pakistan is all saddled up to enter into a new era of cooperation with Ukraine. Both the countries are working on several projects in various areas. Both countries are working on ways to maximize trade and activity between both countries. For this reason, senior officials from Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan are to work on a trilateral railway project.
Trilateral Railway Project
Next week, the officials from Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan are going to meet at Tashkent (capital of Uzbekistan) to discuss the prospects of a trilateral railway project. This railway route will connect Termez, Kabul’s Mazar-i-Sharif, and Peshawar. This railway route will give Pakistan direct access to Central Asia. For Uzbekistan, this railway track holds much significance.
Uzbekistan is a land-locked (not connected to any water body in any way) country. Most of its trade depends on the Iranian route. Uzbekistan has to suffer a lot amid the sanctions placed on Iran having repercussions on Uzbek’s trade. However, with the realization of this trilateral railway track, these problems could be averted.
Afghanistan will be able to get economic and trade benefits from this railway line. As we are well aware of the ongoing situation in the country. This project will help bring economic stability to some extent. All three countries will be able to further their national interests through the operation of the Trans-Afghan railway route.
This railway line has been proposed on various national and international platforms like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Moreover, the last visit of Uzbek President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, emphasized the importance of this railway line and the benefits it holds for the three countries and the region.
Muhammad Azfar Ahsan, Minister of State and Chairman Board of Investment, has left for Uzbekistan for the Tashkent meetings and also to attend the Tashkent International Investment Forum. Moreover, Chairman BOI is also expected to meet the Uzbek President to talk about the prospects of trade between the two countries. He’ll also meet the investors from many countries present at the Tashkent International Investment Forum, with the aim to bring business to Pakistan.
The proposed railway route is expected to be the shortest, most feasible, and most economical railway route that will connect the ports of Pakistan with Central Asia. The Tashkent meetings are expected to bring fruitful results for all the participant countries.
