ASTANA: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has said that Kazakhstan is considering the construction of the Trans-Afghan Railway, a strategic initiative aimed at improving access to South Asian markets.
He was addressing to the 6th Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of States.
The proposed railway would connect Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, potentially strengthening economic ties and trade routes across the region. The route is planned to extend from Termez in Uzbekistan to Mazar-i-Sharif and Logar in Afghanistan, and eventually reach Pakistan through the Kharlachi crossing in Kurram.
President Tokayev stressed the need for sustained development in Central Asia amidst complex geopolitical and economic challenges. He also underscored the importance of effective water and energy resource management, advocating for a unified water policy that ensures equitable resource distribution and adherence to mutual obligations.
This comes in response to growing concerns about water management in Central Asia, particularly regarding the Qosh Tepa Canal project in Uzbekistan, which utilizes resources from the Amu Darya River.
Kazakhstan’s focus on the Trans-Afghan Railway reflects a broader regional effort to enhance connectivity and economic collaboration while addressing shared challenges such as water resource management.
