ADB reaffirms support for Pakistan’s ML-1 railway project as Dar seeks faster progress
Deputy prime minister also holds talks with Russian, EU and Bangladeshi counterparts on connectivity, trade, regional security and bilateral cooperation
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Pakistan’s Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar urging the regional lender to expedite processing of the flagship infrastructure scheme.
The commitment came during Dar’s meeting with ADB Vice Presidents Yingming Yang and Fatima Yasmin, Director Generals, Executive Director for Pakistan Nashita Mohsin and other officials at the bank’s headquarters in Manila.
The two sides reviewed cooperation in infrastructure, climate resilience, regional connectivity and sustainable development, while reaffirming the more than six-decade partnership between Pakistan and the ADB.
Dar described ML-1 as one of the government’s flagship infrastructure projects and a priority of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He highlighted the bank’s role in leading the lending consortium for the project and requested a faster processing timeline.
ADB officials reiterated the bank’s commitment to advancing ML-1, describing it as a transformative project for modernising Pakistan’s railway network, improving regional connectivity and supporting sustainable economic growth.
On the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting in Manila, Dar also met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, energy, connectivity and other key sectors, while agreeing to strengthen coordination at multilateral forums through sustained high-level engagement.
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