Pakistan has shifted its focus to securing financing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) after failing to obtain Chinese funding for the multi-billion-dollar Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway upgrade project.
A high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema reviewed progress on the Karachi–Rohri section, with officials discussing measures to accelerate implementation.
Representatives from the Economic Affairs Division and the Ministry of Railways briefed participants on preparations and project requirements.
During the meeting, ADB Country Director Emma Fan and senior bank officials reviewed documentation progress and procedural steps needed to move the project forward.
The minister directed relevant departments to complete paperwork quickly and maintain close coordination with the Planning Division to meet financing timelines.
Cheema said the government intends to secure ADB support during the next financial year and emphasized the need to finalize the project’s PC-I and regulatory approvals without delay.
He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wants the groundbreaking ceremony to take place within the current year and described ML-1 as a strategic infrastructure project for improving freight movement and railway services across Pakistan.
According to officials, the Karachi–Rohri section will be prioritized for execution while negotiations continue with development partners for financing the remaining sections of the Karachi–Peshawar railway corridor.
ADB officials appreciated Pakistan’s progress and assured support in accelerating documentation, consultant appointments, and review processes to help move the project toward implementation.
