PAKISTAN: The Asian Development Bank has offered Pakistan $2 billion to help create regional connectivity into Afghanistan and India with a road and railway network.

Official sources told Dawn as an initial step, a high-level ADB team will arrive in Pakistan next month to hold talks with senior government officials concerning building capacity and rehabilitating Pakistan Railways.

The objective is to help create a transportation network that's connected with Afghanistan through Chaman on the western border of Pakistan, and India through its eastern parts.

Sources said an a proposal for such railway link in the three countries did not materialize due to financial constraints, as well as lack of interest by international donor agencies due to conditions in Afghanistan.

Officials say the proposed road and railway network would help to substantially expand the volume of trade in the region.

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