Islamabad: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed to finance part of Pakistan’s multibillion-dollar Mainline-1 (ML-1) railway project, starting with the Rohri–Karachi section. The commitment marks the bank’s return to the long-awaited project after earlier withdrawing due to differences over financing structure.
According to an official statement from the Economic Affairs Division, ADB President Masato Kanda met with Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema in Islamabad to discuss the project’s scope and funding requirements. During the meeting, the Secretary Railways briefed the ADB delegation on the strategic importance of ML-1, which will upgrade the country’s main railway line from Peshawar to Karachi.
The minister expressed confidence that ADB will provide phased financial support for the project, highlighting its role in improving passenger transport, trade, and regional connectivity. He also urged the bank to shorten project processing timelines to enable an early start of implementation.
President Kanda acknowledged the significance of ML-1 for Pakistan’s economy and regional integration, and reaffirmed the ADB’s commitment to support the project, beginning with the Rohri–Karachi section. He also conveyed condolences over the loss of lives and damage caused by recent monsoon floods.
The meeting concluded with the signing of an agreement between ADB and the Capital Development Authority (CDA). Under the deal, CDA will provide land for the construction of ADB’s new office building in Islamabad.
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