The government has secured a $2 billion financing package from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to launch work on the Karachi–Rohri segment of the Karachi–Peshawar Main Line (ML-1) early next year.
The project is expected to be completed by December 2028, aiming to improve freight connectivity for the multi-billion-dollar Reko Diq Copper and Gold Project.
Addressing a press conference, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani said that two key sections of the $10 billion ML-1 expansion project would be completed by 2028.
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“The Karachi–Rohri section has advanced with the $2 billion ADB package, while talks are ongoing with the Reko Diq Mining Company regarding the Rohri–Naukundi segment. Both sections will be finished before Reko Diq begins production,” he said.
The minister also provided updates on the privatization drive, noting that the sale of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is expected to proceed next month, following the successful divestment of First Women Bank.
On the export front, Kayani said that newly established working groups are developing policy recommendations within the framework of the IMF programme. “These groups will submit their proposals and targets to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif by November 15,” he added.
