Shehbaz Sharif ADB Meeting Focuses On ML-1 Railway Project

Shehbaz Sharif – (Staff Reporter/Web Desk) – The Shehbaz Sharif ADB meeting on Friday put the spotlight on Pakistan’s biggest rail project. The prime minister told ADB Vice President Yingming Yang that the ML-1 railway corridor needs to break ground soon. He called it one of the country’s most important infrastructure plans.

The meeting took place over breakfast in Islamabad. It was Yang’s first official visit to Pakistan in his current role. The two sides talked about the long-standing partnership between Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank.

They also discussed the new Country Partnership Strategy for 2026 to 2030. This plan sets out where the ADB will focus its support in the coming years.

PM Shehbaz praised the ADB for its steady work on transport, urban development, and public service projects in Pakistan. He said the bank has remained a reliable partner through the years.

The prime minister also spoke about Pakistan’s recent economic progress. He said tough reforms in fiscal policy, governance, and structural areas have helped stabilize the economy. These changes have also improved investor confidence.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif hosted a breakfast meeting in honour of Asian Development Bank (ADB) Vice President for South, Central, and West Asia, Mr. Yingming Yang.

The meeting reviewed the multi-decade development partnership and chart out priority interventions… pic.twitter.com/pSJ7MKMloh

— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) September 4, 2026

He pointed out that major credit rating agencies, including Fitch, Moody’s, and S&P, have given Pakistan better outlooks recently. According to him, this reflects growing trust in the country’s direction.

Shehbaz added that his government is removing red tape through special task forces. These teams are working to speed up project approvals and reduce delays.

Much of the conversation centered on the ML-1 railway line, which runs from Karachi to Peshawar. This project is a major part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Once upgraded, it will improve both freight and passenger rail services across the country.

The prime minister said modernizing this route is key to boosting trade links and supporting industry. Both sides agreed that starting construction soon is essential.

The meeting also touched on other areas of cooperation. These included support for small businesses, energy and food security, export growth, and progress in technology and artificial intelligence.

By the end of the meeting, both sides agreed to turn their shared goals into real results. The aim is to support long-term growth and raise living standards for people across Pakistan.

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