Islamabad: Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are in advanced discussions for a loan of approximately USD 2 billion to finance the Karachi–Rohri section of the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project, well-informed sources told Business Recorder.
The development was shared during a recent meeting on the progress of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, presided over by Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal. The forum was briefed that the Pakistan Embassy in China has requested detailed information on the financing plan for ML-1, including third-party participation such as ADB, and Chinese financing requirements for specific sections. This information is to be shared with Chinese authorities to facilitate further engagement.
The Ministry of Railways informed the meeting that negotiations with ADB for the Karachi–Rohri section are at an advanced stage. The total cost of this segment is estimated at approximately USD 2 billion, of which ADB is expected to provide around USD 1.2 billion. Discussions are also ongoing with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) to arrange financing for the remaining amount.
The chair directed the Ministry of Railways and relevant authorities to prepare a detailed plan outlining current progress and the way forward for sections beyond Rohri, particularly in the context of exploring Chinese financing options. The plan is to be shared with Pakistan’s Mission in Beijing for consultation with Chinese authorities.
During the meeting, representatives from the National Information Technology Board (NITB) presented the development of a CPEC Dashboard. The digital platform will allow ministries and stakeholders to report implementation issues, track directives and decisions, monitor timelines, and maintain follow-up actions. The system will provide a comprehensive overview of CPEC projects, including completed, ongoing, and planned initiatives.
Minister Iqbal emphasised that strict compliance with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s instructions is necessary and directed that the CPEC Dashboard be operational within 15 days. The platform will also incorporate minutes of meetings and decisions from Joint Cooperation Committees, Joint Working Groups, and the CPEC-PRM National Steering Committee.
Additionally, the meeting noted progress on the Data Centre project being developed by the Fauji Foundation. A memorandum of understanding has been signed with ZTE, which is currently covering accommodation and meal expenses for security personnel deployed at the project site. Given the project’s strict timelines, the Government of Punjab was requested to waive Special Protection Unit (SPU) security charges, following standard procedures under the Ministry of Interior.
The discussions underscore Pakistan’s efforts to secure financing for the ML-1 Karachi–Rohri corridor and to ensure timely implementation of CPEC projects with robust monitoring and coordination mechanisms.
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