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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Kazakhstan have agreed to deepen cooperation on a proposed railway corridor linking Pakistan with Central Asia.<\/strong><\/p>\n The planned network would link Karachi Port with Kazakhstan via Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, with an extension through Chaman, near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.<\/p>\n A high-level consultation was held at the Ministry of Railways between the Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and the Ambassador of Kazakhstan, focusing on regional connectivity and railway cooperation.<\/p>\n During the meeting, both sides discussed the projects connecting Pakistan to Central Asia via rail, highlighting their economic and trade benefits.<\/p>\n The Railways Minister stated that under the Prime Minister\u2019s Regional Connectivity Vision, this project has been recognised as highly strategic and is expected to serve as a milestone for the entire region.<\/p>\n He said that the planned network would link Karachi Port with Kazakhstan via Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, with an extension through Chaman, near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Officials say preparatory work on the proposed route has already been completed.<\/p>\n The Pakistan\u2013Kazakhstan Rail Connectivity Project is estimated to cost around $7bn and is expected to be completed within three years.<\/p>\n The project is anticipated to be a game-changer for the region and a milestone for Pakistan\u2019s economic growth.<\/p>\n The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is expected to be signed during a visit by the President of Kazakhstan to Pakistan on 3 February 2026.<\/p>\n The Minister of Railways emphasized that this project is not only pivotal for railway sector but also plays a key role in enhancing trade relations across the region and creating new avenues for economic development.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n