Pakistan, Uzbekistan Urge Taliban to Ensure Security for Key Rail Project

DID Press: Pakistan and Uzbekistan stated that implementation of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway project is not feasible without ensuring lasting security in Afghanistan.

In a joint statement, Pakistan and Uzbekistan called on the Taliban government to take immediate and concrete actions to address the active militant groups operating within Afghanistan’s borders; an effort that, according to both countries, is critical for regional security and the advancement of major economic and transportation projects.

The statement was issued at the conclusion of Uzbekistan’s President’s official visit to Islamabad, during which officials from both countries discussed expanding bilateral cooperation and regional security developments.

Pakistan and Uzbekistan emphasized that stable security in Afghanistan is a crucial factor in connecting Central Asia to South Asia and boosting regional trade.

The statement highlighted that “several terrorist groups continue to operate from within Afghanistan, posing a significant threat to the security of neighboring countries and the international community.”

Both nations urged the Taliban to uphold their security commitments and prevent Afghanistan from being used as a launchpad for attacks against other countries.

Islamabad and Tashkent also warned that instability in Afghanistan could seriously jeopardize strategic projects, including the three-nation Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway. They stressed that these projects can only be realized in an environment of security and stability.