PM Orders Immediate Feasibility Study for Pakistan-Kazakhstan Railway Link

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed officials to promptly begin work on a feasibility study for a proposed railway link between Pakistan and Kazakhstan, a transformative project aimed at boosting regional connectivity and trade.

The directive came during a high-level meeting with Kazakhstan’s Minister for Transport, Marat Karabayev, held at the Prime Minister’s Office in Islamabad on Tuesday.

Strategic Railway Link to Connect Gwadar with Central Asia

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the proposed railway as a “game-changer”, stating that it would provide landlocked Central Asian nations direct access to Pakistan’s Gwadar Port, significantly improving trade corridors across the region.

“This project will reshape the trade landscape of Central and South Asia,” the Prime Minister noted, emphasizing Pakistan’s readiness to accelerate the initiative.

A Pakistani delegation will soon travel to Kazakhstan to discuss technical details and finalize the scope of the feasibility study.

Enhancing Bilateral Cooperation Beyond Infrastructure

During the meeting, Prime Minister Sharif extended his warm regards to Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and recalled their constructive exchange at the World Water Summit in Saudi Arabia. He also expressed enthusiasm for President Tokayev’s upcoming visit to Pakistan, highlighting its potential to deepen bilateral relations.

Prime Minister Sharif proposed:

• The establishment of Kazakh university campuses in Pakistan
• Enhanced air connectivity between both countries
• Collaboration in chess, martial arts, and the education sector

Kazakh Interest in Pakistan’s Economic Potential

Minister Marat Karabayev expressed gratitude for the hospitality extended during his visit. He underscored the importance of Karachi and Gwadar ports for Kazakhstan’s trade ambitions and reaffirmed support for the Almaty-Gwadar railway corridor.

Expanding Multisectoral Collaboration

The two sides reviewed progress made during the 13th session of the Pakistan-Kazakhstan Joint Inter-Ministerial Commission, where a framework agreement covering 10 key sectors was signed. Multiple MoUs were also inked to foster collaboration in:

• Information and culture
• Textile development
• Mineral exploration

A Kazakh business delegation currently visiting Pakistan has already toured Karachi and Gwadar ports and held multiple B2B meetings aimed at boosting bilateral trade.