H.E Alisher Tukhtaev
Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Speech at the Conference “Central Asia & Pakistan Connectivity: Efforts & Prospects”, Islamabad, 29 August 2025
First of all, allow me to express my sincere gratitude to the organizers of today’s important event – the Centre of Pakistan and International Relations (COPAIR) and the magazine “Pakistan in the World”. Such forums create an intellectual platform where ideas turn into solutions, and solutions into projects that can shape the future of our nations.
On 17 July 2025, a historic meeting of the Foreign and Transport Ministers of Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan took place in Kabul. Following this meeting, our three countries signed a Framework Agreement to prepare the Feasibility Study for the Trans-Afghan Railway.
It is important to emphasize that the Feasibility Study will be fully financed by Uzbekistan and Pakistan. This demonstrates our strong political will and determination to implement the project.
For effective progress, we have already established the Project Office of the International Digital Transport Corridors Development Strategy in Tashkent. Its branches are also operating in Islamabad and Kabul. These offices closely cooperate with each other, allowing us to coordinate actions, conduct research, and form a common roadmap.
The future railway route will run as follows: Termez – Hairaton – Mazar-i-Sharif – Oybek – Logar – Kharlachi. To connect the railway systems of Uzbekistan and Pakistan, we will need to build 647 kilometers of new railway line.
The project includes large-scale construction works: building 25 stations; laying 69 kilometers of station tracks; constructing 135 kilometers of tunnels; building 62 kilometers of bridges, overpasses, and viaducts.
The total estimated cost of the project is about 6.9 billion US dollars, and the expected implementation period is around 5 years.
The importance of this railway is difficult to overestimate. Once launched, it will reduce delivery time of goods from Central Asia to Pakistani seaports from 30-35 days to only 3-5 days, while cutting transport costs by almost 40 percent. But more than numbers, this is about people and the future.
The Trans-Afghan Railway will open new opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs, students, and traders. It will create thousands of jobs, support the economic revival of Afghanistan and Pakistan, and transform our region into an area of peace, trust, and prosperity.
Such projects are the modern Silk Road built on the rails of the 21st century. They connect not only countries and markets, but also the destinies of people, strengthening friendship and cooperation for decades ahead.
We already see growing interest from international partners and financial institutions, which shows that we are moving in the right direction.
For its part, Uzbekistan is ready to work side by side with Pakistan, Afghanistan, and all stakeholders to make this historic project a reality.
The Trans-Afghan Railway is not just an infrastructure project. It is a symbol of brotherhood and friendship between Uzbekistan and Pakistan. It is a strategic corridor of integration that will connect Central and South Asia forever.
And now, allow me not only to speak about the Trans Afghan Railway but to show you a video. By watching this short film, you will immediately feel the scale of this grand, historic, and destiny-shaping project.
