The Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi announced that the federal government is considering financing the main ML-1 railway project (ML-1), which has long been delayed with its own resources if external financing is not achieved.
Speaking at the Lahore Railway Station, he admitted that the discussions about the ML-1 have remained for years and stressed the Prime Minister’s commitment to proceed with its construction, even if international partners fail to invest.
Abbasi’s comments come at a time when Pakistan expects a visit from the Chinese technical team with high powers by the end of March. Last October, Pakistan and China reaffirmed its commitment to upgrading the ML-1 in the shadow of the China-Pakistani economic corridor (CPEC), while giving priority to the Karachi-Hyderabad section in the first stage of implementation. However, the lack of progress raised concerns about securing the required financing.
On Friday, the Standing Committee of the National Council for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives was expected to cost the ML-1 project to cost $ 1.1 billion, as China has pledged to fund 85 % under CPC. The committee, headed by Senator, Harratulian Mary, reviewed infrastructure and continuous water management projects, highlighting the urgent need for financing and the impact of climate change on national development.
Mary expressed his concerns about the repeated offer of the controversial Calbag Calag as a proposed project despite the opposition of three regional gatherings. It called for removing it from government presentations.
The committee also reviewed the progress of the Jumal Zam Dammal dams, both of which are necessary for water storage and agricultural development. Officials have warned that the high population growth and climate change are agreed in the lack of water in Pakistan, which confirms the need to improve preservation and flood management efforts under the 5S framework.
Regarding the DASU hydroelectric project, officials stressed that it is still on the right track to complete it by 2027 with the funding of the World Bank. However, doubts have raised whether the Diamer-Bhaasha Dam will be completed by 2035.
The meeting also focused on the Karachi clean drinking project, which is scheduled to be completed by June 2026, with 57.8 % of the works already completed. Despite the implementation challenges, officials assured the progress committee.
However, Mary expressed his concerns about the delay resulting from the absence of the Chinese technical delegation and urged the ministry to explore alternative sources of financing in the event of more setbacks.
