Pakistan, Uzbekistan seek financing roadmap for UAP Railway

September 29, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and Uzbekistan have agreed to work toward developing bankable projects and a financing roadmap for the proposed Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway, aimed at improving connectivity between Central Asian markets and Pakistan’s ports.

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal held discussions with an Uzbek delegation led by Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Ilzat Kasimov on the sidelines of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Programme conference in Mongolia.

The discussions focused on regional connectivity, investment and mobilization of international financing, with the UAP Railway emerging as a key proposed link between Central Asia and Pakistan.

Ahsan Iqbal called for the feasibility study to be expedited, financing sources to be identified and a clear implementation roadmap to be developed.

The minister proposed establishing a Pakistan-Uzbekistan Joint Financing Coordination Mechanism to jointly approach international financial institutions and development partners for financing priority regional projects.

From political understanding to bankable projects

The proposed railway is being viewed by Pakistan as more than a standalone rail project.

Ahsan Iqbal said the UAP Railway should be developed as an integrated economic corridor connecting railways, highways, logistics facilities, ports and industrial centres.

Such integration would allow the proposed railway to connect landlocked Central Asian markets with Pakistan’s seaports while creating opportunities for trade and investment along the route.

The minister called for the two countries to move from political understanding toward bankable projects, measurable economic outcomes and defined financing arrangements.

Trade and investment opportunities

The two sides also discussed expanding investment-led trade and joint ventures in sectors including textiles, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, minerals, engineering and information technology.

Pakistan has been seeking stronger economic engagement with Central Asian states, particularly through improved transport connectivity and access to regional markets.

The UAP Railway could provide an additional trade route for Central Asian countries while potentially increasing the movement of goods through Pakistan’s ports.

Both sides agreed on the need to strengthen economic cooperation and translate existing agreements into concrete projects supported by financing arrangements and implementation timelines.

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