Professor Ahsan Iqbal met with a delegation from Uzbekistan to discuss regional connectivity, investment, and securing international financing for Pakistan-Uzbekistan economic ties. The discussion specifically covered the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway project.
Iqbal stated that the UAP Railway could become a transformative link connecting Central Asian markets with Pakistani ports. He stressed that the political understanding between Pakistan and Uzbekistan must translate into bankable projects and measurable economic results.
Furthermore, the Professor called for developing a clear implementation roadmap, expediting the feasibility study, and identifying sources of both multilateral and bilateral financing. To facilitate this, Iqbal proposed establishing a Pakistan-Uzbekistan Joint Financing Coordination Mechanism.
The Professor also advised that the UAP Railway should develop into an integrated economic corridor encompassing railways, highways, logistics, ports, and industrial centres. Moreover, Iqbal urged greater joint ventures and investment-led trade across vital sectors.
Both parties agreed on strengthening the economic cooperation between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
