Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Sunday reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Line Project, calling it a vital step for enhancing regional connectivity.
In a phone conversation, the two ministers underscored the strategic importance of the proposed railway corridor and agreed to work closely for the early finalisation of its framework agreement, according to a statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Office.
Muttaqi welcomed Pakistan’s decision to upgrade diplomatic relations with Kabul to the ambassadorial level and confirmed Afghanistan would reciprocate the move.
He termed the decision a “positive development” for bilateral ties.
The conversation also served as a follow-up to Dar’s visit to Kabul on 19 April 2025.
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Both sides reviewed the implementation of key decisions taken during that trip and reiterated their shared commitment to strengthening mutual trust and cooperation.
Last month, Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to ensure the dignified and orderly repatriation of undocumented Afghan nationals, amid tensions over Islamabad’s deportation campaign.
Dar’s first trip to Afghanistan since assuming office focused on defusing friction and restarting stalled cooperation on security and regional connectivity.
During his meetings with Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, Dar stressed the need to manage cross-border security, combat militancy, and strengthen bilateral trade.
The ministers agreed to finalise a joint committee of intelligence and interior ministry officials to address counterterrorism and border management concerns.
The two sides also reached consensus on enhancing regional economic links through initiatives like the CASA-1000 power project and the transnational Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway.
