Islamabad, November 11, 2026: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Wednesday chaired a meeting to review proposals for the revamping and restructuring of Pakistan Railways, with a particular focus on financing options for modernising the railway network.
The meeting examined various financing frameworks and operational models aimed at upgrading railway infrastructure and ensuring the sector’s long-term financial sustainability.
Participants discussed different restructuring options, including Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), domestic bank financing and international funding mechanisms.
Emphasising the importance of a modern, efficient and financially sustainable railway network, Ishaq Dar said an upgraded rail system was essential for national economic integration and enhanced regional connectivity.
He directed the relevant ministries and financial institutions to explore all available financing options, particularly arrangements for commercial bank financing of the Main Line-1 (ML-1) project covering the Rohri-Multan section, to ensure its implementation.
The meeting was attended by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, secretaries of Railways and the Economic Affairs Division, Special Secretary Finance, and representatives of relevant ministries and departments.
