Directs the authorities to complete the development projects of Pakistan Railways within the stipulated deadlines.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting on the progress of the Pakistan Railways Transformation Plan. PHOTO: PMO
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed authorities to complete Pakistan Railways’ development projects within stipulated timelines and in accordance with the highest quality standards, emphasizing that a modern railway network is essential for economic growth, trade and regional connectivity.
Chairing a review meeting in Islamabad on the progress of Pakistan Railways Transformation Plan, the prime minister described Pakistan Railways as “the most efficient and lowest-cost mode of transportation for passengers and goods.”
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 modernization of railway infrastructure would be crucial to strengthening Pakistan’s role as a regional trade and logistics hub.
Release date: September 20, 2026.
وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف ریلویز ٹرانسفارمیشن پلان پر پیش رفت کا جائزہ اجلاس آج اسلام آباد میں منعقد ہوا.
اجلویز مسافروں اور مال برداری مؤثر ذریعۂ… pic.twitter.com/xsY7Fa1BpL
– Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) July 20, 2026
The meeting was briefed on progress related to upgrade of ML-1 and ML-3 railways, Thar coal railway connectivity 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 report, the Rohri-Nokundi section of ML-3 will be improved through the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) and bridging financing arrangements.
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Officials said around 60% of work on the 112-kilometre Thar coal railway line linking 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 the upgradation of the Rohri-Multan stretch of Main Line-1 (ML-1).
The meeting was informed that international consultants had been hired to support the railway reforms on the instructions of the prime minister. Officials added that schools and hospitals operated by Pakistan Railways had been outsourced, while work was underway to market six major railway stations.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima, Advisor on Privatization Muhammad Ali, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani and other senior government officials.
