PM reviews Railways upgrade, Reko Diq link plan

WEB DESK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday presided over a high-level meeting to discuss the upgradation of Pakistan Railways, including the expansion of its network to Reko Diq in Balochistan.

Officials briefed the premier on the development of Pakistan Railways, particularly the upgradation of Main Line-1 (ML-1) and Main Line-3 (ML-3). The PM directed authorities to ensure the Reko Diq project is connected to the railway network by 2028, stressing that the move would boost Balochistan’s mining and minerals sector and create new employment opportunities for the people of the province.

PM Sharif also ordered the formation of an inter-ministerial committee to finalise financing options for the railway’s modernisation and expansion. The committee will present concrete proposals to secure funding for the projects.

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Highlighting the significance of Pakistan Railways, the prime minister said it serves as the backbone of the country’s economy and transportation system. He described railways as a cost-effective, fast, and environmentally friendly mode of transport.

The meeting was attended by federal ministers Ishaq Dar, Khawaja Asif, Ahsan Iqbal, Ahad Cheema, Hanif Abbasi, and other senior officials.