PM Shehbaz, ADB VP discuss 'early groundbreaking' of strategic ML-1 project

• PM Shehbaz calls ML-1 a vital infrastructure priority.
• ADB and Pakistan review CPS 2026-2030 priorities.
• Govt targets greater private sector, SME cooperation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday stressed the need for early groundbreaking of the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway corridor, describing it as a vital national infrastructure priority.

The prime minister made the remarks while hosting a breakfast meeting in honour of Asian Development Bank (ADB) Vice President for South, Central and West Asia Yingming Yang.

The meeting reviewed the multi-decade development partnership between Pakistan and the ADB and priority interventions under the new Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) 2026–2030.

Welcoming Yang on his first official visit to Pakistan in this capacity, PM Shehbaz lauded the ADB's consistent professionalism and responsiveness in delivering urban infrastructure, transport and public service projects in the country.

The prime minister said Pakistan has successfully navigated a difficult economic turnaround through rigorous fiscal, structural and governance reforms, which have restored macroeconomic stability and reinforced investor confidence.

He added that the reforms have also earned stable outlook upgrades from major international credit rating agencies, including Fitch, Moody's and S&P.

Reaffirming the government's commitment to long-term economic transformation, the premier said administrative bottlenecks were being actively dismantled through dedicated execution task forces.

A central focus of the discussions was the modernisation of the ML-1 railway corridor from Karachi to Peshawar.

The project is a key component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (Cpec) and seeks to upgrade Pakistan's rail network while improving freight and passenger services.

The prime minister said upgrading the corridor is essential for modernising freight logistics, strengthening regional trade connectivity and supporting major industrial initiatives.

The meeting also discussed the need for early groundbreaking of ML-1, which the participants described as vital for infrastructure development and modernising connectivity.

The two sides also explored avenues for greater cooperation in supporting the private sector and SMEs, energy and food security, export competitiveness, artificial intelligence and information technology.

The meeting concluded with a mutual pledge to translate the strategic priorities of the CPS 2026-2030 into concrete, high-impact results aimed at driving sustainable growth and improving the standard of living for the people of Pakistan.