Directs the authorities to complete the development projects of Pakistan Railways within stipulated time limits
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presided over a meeting on the progress of Pakistan Railways Transformation Plan. PHOTO: PMO
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed the authorities to complete Pakistan Railways’ development projects within the stipulated timelines and according to the highest quality standards, stressing that a modern railway network is essential for economic growth, trade and regional connectivity.
Chairing a review meeting in Islamabad on the progress of the Pakistan Railways Transformation Plan, the prime minister described Pakistan Railways as the “lowest and most efficient mode of transport for passengers and freight”.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said that “a modern and efficient railway system will play a key role in promoting the national economy, trade and regional connectivity”, adding that the modernization of the railway infrastructure would be essential to strengthen Pakistan’s role as a regional trade and logistics hub.
Time: 20 March 2026.
The review meeting of Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif was held today in Islamabad.
Talking to the meeting, the minister said that the lowest cost and most effective means of transportation of Pakistan’s rivers and lakes… pic.twitter.com/xsY7Fa1BpL
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) July 20, 2026
The meeting was briefed on the progress of ML-1 and ML-3 rail upgrades, Thar coal rail link and other development projects. Officials told the meeting that the detailed engineering design for the Karachi-Rohri section of ML-1 had been completed.
According to the briefing, Rohri-Nokundi section of ML-3 will be upgraded through Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) and bridge financing schemes.
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Officials said about 60% of the work on the 112-kilometer long Thar Coal railway line connecting Thar Coal to Chhor railway station had been completed and the project was expected to be completed by December 2026.
The Prime Minister also directed officials to submit proposals for upgrading the Rohri-Multan section of Main Line-1 (ML-1).
The meeting was informed that international consultants had been hired to support railway reforms as per the Prime Minister’s instructions. Officials added that schools and hospitals run by Pakistan Railways had been outsourced while work was underway to commercialize six major railway stations.
The meeting was attended by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Finance Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi, IT and Telecom Minister Shaza Fatima, Privatization Advisor Muhammad Ali, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani and other senior officials.
