Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank review ML-1 modernisation and development priorities under the 2026–2030 partnership strategy.
Web Desk: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Asian Development Bank (ADB) Vice President Yingming Yang have discussed the need for the early groundbreaking of Pakistan’s Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project, with the government describing the corridor as a vital national infrastructure priority.
The discussion took place during a breakfast meeting hosted by Prime Minister Shehbaz in honour of Yang, who is the ADB vice president for South, Central and West Asia, in Islamabad on Friday.
The meeting also reviewed Pakistan’s longstanding development partnership with the ADB and priority areas under the bank’s new Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) 2026–2030.
ML-1 modernisation takes centre stage
A central focus of the meeting was the modernisation of the ML-1 railway corridor connecting Karachi with Peshawar.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said upgrading the railway line was essential for modernising freight logistics, strengthening regional trade connectivity and supporting major industrial initiatives.
The government also stressed the need for the project’s early groundbreaking, describing it as important for infrastructure development and improved connectivity.
The ML-1 upgrade is regarded as a major component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and is intended to modernise Pakistan’s main railway network while improving freight and passenger services.
ADB partnership reviewed
During the meeting, Shehbaz welcomed Yang on his first official visit to Pakistan in his current capacity and praised the ADB for its continued support for infrastructure, transport and public-service projects in the country.
The two sides reviewed areas where Pakistan and the ADB could cooperate under the 2026–2030 Country Partnership Strategy.
The discussions covered infrastructure as well as broader economic priorities, including private-sector and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) support.
Focus on economic transformation
Prime Minister Shehbaz said Pakistan had navigated a difficult economic period through fiscal, structural and governance reforms.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, he said these measures had helped restore macroeconomic stability and strengthen investor confidence. He also referred to stable outlook upgrades from Fitch, Moody’s and S&P.
The prime minister further said administrative bottlenecks were being addressed through dedicated execution task forces as part of the government’s longer-term economic transformation agenda.
Cooperation beyond railways
The meeting also explored potential cooperation in several areas beyond ML-1.
According to the official account, discussions included:
- Private-sector and SME development
- Energy security
- Food security
- Export competitiveness
- Artificial intelligence
- Information technology
The two sides agreed to work toward translating the priorities of the CPS 2026–2030 into concrete development outcomes aimed at supporting sustainable economic growth and improving living standards.
ML-1 remains a long-delayed priority
The ML-1 project has been under discussion for years as Pakistan seeks to upgrade its main railway corridor.
The route links major economic centres from Karachi to Peshawar, making it strategically important for passenger transportation, freight movement and regional connectivity.
Earlier government plans envisaged significant improvements to railway infrastructure, including higher operating speeds and upgrades to stations and related facilities.
The latest discussions indicate that the government is again pushing for an early start to practical work on the project, while seeking continued cooperation from development partners.
