Reporting snapshot · 23 January 2026. This report reflects The Nation's account of the Ministry of Railways meeting published on 23 January 2026 and does not include later developments.
What happened
Pakistan and Kazakhstan are set to sign a formal memorandum of understanding for the $7 billion Pakistan-Kazakhstan rail connectivity project during the Kazakh president’s visit next month, according to a report on a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Railways. The report said the president of Kazakhstan is scheduled to visit Pakistan on 3 February 2026 to formally sign the MoU.
It said the plan was revealed at a meeting held on Thursday between the federal minister for railways, Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, and Kazakhstan’s ambassador to Pakistan, Yerzhan Kistafin. The meeting focused on regional connectivity and railway cooperation, and both sides discussed projects connecting Pakistan to Central Asia by rail.
What the project involves
The report said a network linking Karachi Port to Kazakhstan has been prepared, which it said would strengthen trade ties in the region and give Pakistan a direct rail connection to Central Asia. The network will also extend through Chaman, connecting Afghanistan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan comprehensively, it said. The project is a $7 billion initiative and is expected to be completed within three years, according to the report.
Why it matters
The report described the project as a potential game-changer for the region and a milestone for Pakistan’s economic growth, saying it had been recognised as highly strategic under the prime minister’s regional connectivity vision. Minister Abbasi said the initiative marked a historic advancement for Pakistan’s railway sector and would open new avenues for trade and regional linkages.
What is still uncertain
The report did not set out a financing structure for the project, name the companies that would build it or give a construction start date. It also did not provide a detailed route map beyond naming Karachi Port, Chaman, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan.
Sources & reporting notes
This article summarises published reporting and is not eyewitness reconstruction. Sources were reviewed on 23 January 2026.
- The Nation — MoU for $7b rail connectivity project to be signed during Kazakh president's visit23 January 2026 · The planned 3 February signing, the Ministry of Railways meeting with Kazakhstan's ambassador, the Karachi Port-to-Central Asia route and the $7 billion, three-year project outline.
