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Uzbekistan and Pakistan advance plans for Trans-Afghan transport corridor
Uzbekistan and Pakistan are accelerating efforts to develop the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan (UAP) Transport Corridor, a key regional project aimed at linking Central Asia with South Asia through Afghanistan.
According to Trend News Agency, representatives from Uzbekistan Railways JSC and Temir Yul Cargo JSC held talks with Pakistan’s SLG Trax Group Limited to explore practical steps for expanding freight operations along the corridor.
During the meeting, the parties discussed strategies to attract new cargo flows, launch regular container train services, and set competitive freight rates to make the route commercially viable.
They also exchanged technical experience to improve logistics efficiency, ensure cargo safety, and enhance continuity of operations along the corridor.
Officials highlighted the strategic importance of the Trans-Afghan route in opening access to South Asian markets while positioning Uzbekistan as a key regional logistics hub.
Both sides agreed to strengthen multimodal transport services through neighboring countries and work toward a unified approach for regional connectivity and trade facilitation.
Uzbekistan reaffirmed its commitment to an open and mutually beneficial transport policy, focused on expanding trade routes, improving logistics infrastructure, and boosting the efficiency of international freight transport.
Earlier in July 2025, the first meeting of the foreign ministers of Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan took place in Kabul, where the three nations signed a framework intergovernmental agreement to prepare a feasibility study (FS) for the Trans-Afghan Railway Project.
Under the trilateral plan, the 573-kilometer railway will connect Termez (Uzbekistan) with Mazar-i-Sharif and Logar (Afghanistan), extending onward to Kharlachi (Pakistan). Once operational, the corridor is expected to handle up to 20 million tonnes of freight annually, dramatically reducing both transportation costs and transit times between Central and South Asia.
The project is viewed as a cornerstone of regional connectivity, offering landlocked Central Asian states direct access to Pakistani seaports while creating new opportunities for trade, energy transit, and economic integration across the broader region.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has welcomed the temporary ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan announced in connection with the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, calling for continued efforts to reduce tensions and achieve lasting peace.
Anwar shared the message during a telephone conversation with his Pakistani counterpart, Shehbaz Sharif. In a Facebook post, Anwar emphasized the importance of dialogue and de-escalation, while also expressing concern over rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran, and urging all parties to prioritize peaceful solutions.
Pakistan said it had temporarily suspended military operations in Afghanistan at the request of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey. Afghan authorities likewise announced a halt to operations during Eid, citing goodwill and similar requests from regional partners.
The ceasefire follows weeks of heightened tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, including Durand Line clashes and airstrikes.
Separately, Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a phone call discussed regional developments with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reaffirming Turkey’s commitment to peace and stability and stressing continued cooperation for long-term security.
In his Persian New Year message, Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, on Friday highlighted the importance of Afghanistan and Pakistan, saying the two neighbors were “very close” to Iran.
Khamenei also made a direct appeal for improved relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, describing them as “two brotherly countries.” He urged both nations to work toward better cooperation and understanding, stressing that such efforts are important “for the sake of divine pleasure and to avoid division among Muslims.”
Underscoring his commitment, he added that he is personally “ready to take the necessary steps” to help facilitate stronger ties between the two countries.
In recent months, tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have risen over security issues, with cross-Durand Line clashes, airstrikes, and accusations about militant activity.
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, announced on Friday that a 2.5-ton consignment, including emergency medicines, medical disposables, kits, and equipment has been delivered to Kabul.
According to him, the aid shipment is intended to support the swift recovery of those injured in the recent airstrike by Pakistan’s military regime.
He emphasized that India stands with the people of Afghanistan and will continue to provide all possible humanitarian assistance.
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