Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar landed in Kabul on Thursday to attend the signing ceremony of a regional railway agreement. The trilateral pact involves Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Ishaq Dar lands in Kabul to participate in finalizing the Framework Agreement for the Joint Feasibility Study of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Project.
This railway plan aims to create a direct rail link between Uzbekistan and Pakistani seaports through Afghanistan. The goal is to boost regional trade and improve access for Central Asian countries.
Dar is joined by Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, the special representative for Afghanistan, and the railways secretary. According to the Foreign Office, their presence reflects Pakistan’s strong commitment to regional connectivity through infrastructure development.
Before his visit, the Foreign Office stated that the agreement marks a key milestone toward the successful launch of the UAP Railway Project. The feasibility study will determine the best route, cost, and timeline for the railway.
The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar arrived in Kabul, Afghanistan, for the signing of the trilateral Framework Agreement on Joint Feasibility Study for the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Project.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 17, 2025
He is accompanied by… pic.twitter.com/jHSbQ1NaTr
During his stay in Kabul, Dar is expected to meet with Afghanistan’s acting Prime Minister and acting Foreign Minister. These talks will focus on strengthening bilateral relations and reviewing regional and international matters.
This visit also signals a diplomatic shift. After months of tensions, high-level engagement like this could help rebuild trust between Islamabad and Kabul. Notably, Ishaq Dar left Pakistan with the aim of representing Islamabad’s interest in regional cooperation and connectivity.
The railway project, once completed, may offer significant economic benefits for all three countries involved by opening up new trade corridors.
For full details on the upcoming assembly proceedings, read the complete story here.