ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has set a 2028 deadline to extend the Pakistan Railways network to Reko Diq, a strategic mineral-rich site in Balochistan. Chairing a high-level meeting on Tuesday, the premier instructed authorities to ensure the project’s completion within the stipulated timeframe and emphasized the need to enhance the country’s cargo and transport infrastructure.
To move the plan forward, Shehbaz directed the formation of an inter-ministerial committee to assess and recommend financing strategies for the railway expansion, including the upgrade of the Main Line (ML)-1 and ML-3.
Highlighting the importance of railways as a cost-effective, efficient, and eco-friendly mode of transportation, the prime minister said the connection with Reko Diq would significantly boost Balochistan’s mining sector and open up employment opportunities in the region.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Cheema, Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Minister of State for Railways Bilal Kayani, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, among others.
