Islamabad, January 22, 2026: Pakistan and Kazakhstan on Thursday held a high-level consultation at the Ministry of Railways, focusing on regional connectivity and enhanced railway cooperation, with particular emphasis on rail projects linking Pakistan to Central Asia.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and the Ambassador of Kazakhstan Qystapa Erjan, during which both sides reviewed progress on initiatives aimed at strengthening economic integration and trade through improved rail connectivity.
Under the Prime Minister’s Regional Connectivity Vision, the Pakistan–Kazakhstan rail project has been identified as a strategic initiative for the wider region. Minister Abbasi described the project as a historic advancement for Pakistan’s railway sector, stating that it would open new avenues for trade and regional linkages.
Officials informed the meeting that significant progress has already been made, with a rail network connecting Karachi Port to Kazakhstan prepared. The proposed route will provide Pakistan with a direct rail link to Central Asia, while also extending through Chaman, connecting Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan to form a comprehensive regional corridor.
The Pakistan–Kazakhstan Rail Connectivity Project, estimated at $7 billion, is expected to be completed within a record three-year timeframe. Once operational, it is anticipated to be a game-changer for regional trade and a major milestone for Pakistan’s economic growth.
It was also announced that the President of Kazakhstan is scheduled to visit Pakistan on February 3, 2026, during which a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the project will be formally signed, further solidifying bilateral cooperation in the railway sector.
Minister Abbasi emphasized that the project would not only modernize Pakistan’s rail infrastructure but also play a critical role in enhancing regional trade, connectivity, and economic development across South and Central Asia.
