PM Shehbaz urges early launch of ML-1 railway upgrade

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for an early start to work on the planned Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway upgrade, describing the project as a key step towards improving Pakistan’s transport network, freight movement and regional connectivity.

The prime minister made the remarks during a meeting with Asian Development Bank (ADB) Vice President for South, Central and West Asia Yingming Yang on Friday, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

The talks focused on Pakistan’s infrastructure needs and development priorities under the new Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) 2026–2030.

ML-1 was at the centre of the discussions. The railway corridor runs for around 1,733 kilometres from Karachi to Peshawar, passing through major cities including Hyderabad, Rohri, Multan, Lahore and Rawalpindi.

Shehbaz stressed the need for an early groundbreaking of the project. He said upgrading ML-1 would help modernise freight logistics, improve trade links and support major industrial and economic activities.

The project is also considered an important component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and has long been viewed as a major infrastructure priority for Pakistan.

During the meeting, Shehbaz said Pakistan had successfully navigated a difficult phase of economic adjustment through fiscal, structural and governance reforms.

He maintained that the measures had helped restore macroeconomic stability and improve investor confidence.

The prime minister also pointed to improved assessments from international credit rating agencies, including Fitch, Moody’s and S&P.

Shehbaz said the government remained committed to carrying out long-term economic reforms and removing administrative hurdles that can delay investment and development projects.

According to the PMO, dedicated execution task forces are being used to address such bottlenecks and ensure faster implementation of government priorities.

The meeting also covered cooperation in several other areas.

These included strengthening the private sector, improving energy security and enhancing food security. The two sides also discussed measures to boost export competitiveness and expand cooperation in artificial intelligence and information technology.

The discussions formed part of efforts to establish development priorities for the next five years under the ADB’s 2026–2030 partnership framework.

Both sides agreed on the need to turn the strategy into practical projects capable of delivering measurable economic and social benefits.