Key points
- Pakistan accelerates major transport infrastructure projects
- Roads sector prioritises Sukkur–Hyderabad motorway
- Public-private projects fast-tracked nationwide
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan plans to accelerate work on several nationally significant transport and water infrastructure projects, with groundwork on the Karachi–Rohri section of the flagship Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway expected to begin in 2026, the government said on Friday.
Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal chaired a high-level review meeting in Islamabad to assess progress on key Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) projects in the railways, highways and water sectors. He directed ministries to prioritise timely execution, quality standards and realistic financial planning over the next three years.
Officials briefed the minister on ML-1, a core component of Pakistan’s rail modernisation drive, as well as the upgradation of 884 kilometres of Main Line-3 and the Thar Coal Railway Connectivity Project. The Thar project, estimated at Rs53.7 billion, aims to improve logistics for energy supply by linking coal mines in southern Sindh to ports and power plants, and is scheduled for completion by June 2026.
The meeting also reviewed the National Highway Authority’s portfolio under PSDP 2025–26, which comprises 71 projects with a total cost of approximately Rs3,407 billion. Iqbal instructed that the Sukkur–Hyderabad Motorway be completed within three years and treated as a top priority. He also called for faster work on the Karakoram Highway Phase-II to prevent disruptions once the Diamer-Bhasha Dam reservoir becomes operational.
Public-private partnership
Under public-private partnership arrangements, the government identified the Sambrial–Kharian–Rawalpindi motorway, the M-8 in Balochistan, and the Mashkel–Panjgur–Chadgi road as priority schemes requiring accelerated implementation. Iqbal also ordered fortnightly progress reports to improve monitoring and accountability.
The meeting also reviewed major water-sector projects under PSDP 2025–26, which comprise 34 projects with a total approved cost of Rs1,848 billion. Key projects discussed included the Dasu Hydropower Project, Diamer-Bhasha Dam, Mohmand Dam Hydropower Project, Chashma Right Bank Canal, Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project, and the K-IV water supply project for Karachi.
Iqbal said integrated planning and fiscal discipline were essential to ensure that infrastructure investment supports economic growth, regional connectivity and climate resilience.
