Pakistan, Kazakhstan to sign MoU on $7bn rail link

January 23, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and Kazakhstan will formally sign a $7 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on rail connectivity during the visit of the President of Kazakhstan to Pakistan on February 3, 2026.

This marked a major breakthrough in regional railway connectivity linking Pakistan with Central Asia.

The development was discussed during a high-level consultation held at the Ministry of Railways between Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and the Ambassador of Kazakhstan, according to the press release.

The meeting focused on enhancing regional connectivity and strengthening railway cooperation between the two countries, particularly through projects connecting Pakistan to Central Asia via rail.

Under the Prime Minister’s Regional Connectivity Vision, the Pakistan–Kazakhstan Rail Connectivity Project has been declared a highly strategic initiative and is expected to serve as a milestone for the entire region.

The federal minister stated that the project represents a historic advancement for Pakistan’s railway sector and will open new avenues for trade and regional linkages.

Significant progress has already been achieved on the project, with the railway network linking Karachi Port to Kazakhstan now prepared.

This connectivity will strengthen regional trade ties and provide Pakistan with a direct rail link to Central Asia.

The route will also extend via Chaman, enabling comprehensive rail connectivity through Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.

The Pakistan–Kazakhstan Rail Connectivity Project carries an estimated cost of $7bn and is targeted for completion within a record three-year timeframe.

The initiative as a potential game-changer for regional trade and a major contributor to Pakistan’s long-term economic growth.

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