Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar highlighted the pivotal role of the Main Line One (ML-1) railway project, part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as a favorable transit route for regional countries.
Chairing a review meeting at the PM House, Kakar prioritized the timely completion of ML-1, emphasizing its significance in boosting connectivity between seaports and economic zones, thereby enhancing the national communication network.
During the meeting, Kakar stressed the vast potential for foreign investment in Pakistan Railways and urged the expeditious realization of projects, directing the formulation of a comprehensive reform strategy. Emphasizing transparency in the implementation of ML-1, he anticipated the creation of job opportunities and a reduction in travel time and freight rates.
The meeting disclosed that ML-1’s planning was in the final stage, with the groundbreaking ceremony expected early next year. The project will be executed in two phases, involving the upgrade of railway infrastructure damaged by the 2022 flood and the laying of rail tracks from Karachi to Peshawar.
The caretaker premier directed the completion of project targets within the stipulated time, highlighting ML-1’s crucial role in CPEC and underscoring the government’s commitment to prioritizing its timely completion. Kakar emphasized that ML-1 is a national project set to revolutionize the transport sector, contributing significantly to the development of the country’s communication infrastructure.
Caretaker ministers, Shamshad Akhtar and Sami Saeed, Adviser to the Prime Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Special Assistant Jahanzeb Khan, and senior officials attended the meeting, underscoring the collective commitment to the transformative ML-1 project.
