Uzbekistan Ratifies Trilateral Rail Agreement With Afghanistan and Pakistan

DID Press: Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a presidential decree ratifying a trilateral international transport cooperation agreement between Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, aimed at preparing a feasibility study for the construction of a new railway line between Naibabad and Harlachi.

Under the decree, the framework agreement signed on 17 July 2025 in Kabul by Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Works, and Pakistan’s Ministry of Railways officially enters into force. The document sets out the basis for trilateral cooperation on technical and economic studies for the proposed rail corridor.

According to the decree, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport has been designated as the competent authority responsible for implementing the provisions of the agreement. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also been tasked with notifying the Afghan and Pakistani sides once all required domestic procedures are completed and formally announcing the appointment of the authorized body.

The decree further instructs the Cabinet of Ministers and heads of relevant ministries and agencies to ensure full compliance with the agreement’s provisions and the effective implementation of the commitments outlined once it becomes operational.

If realized, the railway project is expected to play a significant role in strengthening regional connectivity, facilitating trade, and expanding transit cooperation between Central Asia and South Asia.