Pakistan Pushes Expedited Processing Of Main Line-1 As ADB Vice Presidents Recognise ML-1’s Transformative Role In Modernising The National Rail Network And Strengthening Regional Connectivity
According to Business Recorder, the Asian Development Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Pakistan’s Main Line-1 railway project following a meeting at ADB headquarters in Manila between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and ADB Vice Presidents Yingming Yang and Fatima Yasmin.
The ML-1 project, a flagship infrastructure initiative and personal priority of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, aims to modernise Pakistan’s aging rail network, strengthen regional connectivity, and support sustainable economic growth. During the meeting, Dar highlighted ML-1’s importance and specifically requested that ADB expedite its processing timeline for consortium lending support.
The ADB vice presidents acknowledged the project’s transformative potential and reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to working closely with Pakistan toward its advancement. The two sides also reviewed the over six-decade Pakistan-ADB partnership, covering infrastructure, climate resilience, and development cooperation.
On the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum, Dar also held separate meetings with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, covering trade, energy, regional security, and the GSP+ framework.
Pakistan is building alliances on multiple fronts simultaneously. ML-1 may be the most consequential deal on the table.
Check out our previous coverage of Pakistan’s economy on The Trusted Times.
