ADB assures support to ML-1 Railway project
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday underscored the importance of strengthening regional connectivity and modernising its transport infrastructure, while the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has reiterated its commitment to supporting the country’s flagship Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project, which aims to transform Pakistan’s rail network and promote sustainable economic growth.
The development came during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister (DPM/FM) Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and senior ADB officials, including Vice Presidents Yingming Yang and Fatima Yasmin, at the ADB Headquarters in Manila.
The two sides reviewed avenues to enhance cooperation in infrastructure, climate resilience, connectivity, and development priorities.
The DPM/FM held a productive meeting with ADB Vice President (South, Central and West Asia) Yingming Yang, ADB Vice President (Sectors and Themes) Fatima Yasmin, ADB Director Generals and officials, along with Executive Director for Pakistan, Nashita Mohsin, at the Asian Development Bank Headquarters in Manila.
The two sides reaffirmed their more than six-decade-long Pakistan–ADB partnership and explored ways to further strengthen cooperation in infrastructure, climate resilience, regional connectivity, and sustainable economic growth.
The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project as one of the Government’s flagship infrastructure initiatives and a priority of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He emphasized ADB’s continued support in leading the consortium lending for this project and requested an expedited processing timeline.
The ADB Vice Presidents reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to working closely with Pakistan to advance the project, recognizing its transformative role in modernizing Pakistan’s railway network, strengthening connectivity, and supporting sustainable economic growth.
Meanwhile, DPM/FM met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov ahead of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation in trade, energy, connectivity, and other key areas, as well as enhancing coordination at multilateral forums.
They underscored the importance of sustained high-level engagement in advancing the Pakistan–Russia partnership.
DPM Dar also met the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice President of the European Commission on the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Manila.
HR/VP Kaja Kallas warmly recalled her recent bilateral visit to Islamabad for the 8th round of the Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue. The two leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing cooperation under the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan.
Exchanging views on regional developments, they underscored that sustained diplomacy remains the only viable and durable path to peace and stability, particularly in the context of the US-Iran situation. They also discussed its broader implications for regional security, global energy markets, maritime security, and trade and supply chains, emphasizing the importance of continued dialogue and adherence to international law.
DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the effective implementation of all international conventions underpinning the GSP+ framework and underscored the importance that Pakistan attaches to its economic partnership with the European Union.
Dar also held a meeting with Khalilur Rehman, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh and President-elect of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, on the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting in Manila.
They reviewed the positive trajectory of Pakistan–Bangladesh relations and the renewed impetus provided by the DPM Dar’s visit to Bangladesh last year. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties.