ADB to finalise ML-1 design by October

Cheema appreciated the progress being made by ADB and its technical teams and emphasised the importance of maintaining close coordination among all stakeholders to facilitate timely completion of the ongoing work. The minister said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attaches high priority to the ML-1 project and is keen to see it move towards implementation at the earliest possible stage.

He assured the ADB delegation that the government remains fully prepared to complete all requirements on its part in a timely manner and extend necessary facilitation throughout the process. Cheema also called for continued review of the implementation schedule to identify opportunities to optimise timelines while ensuring full compliance with all technical, legal and procedural requirements.

ADB representatives appreciated the government's commitment to advancing the project and assured that ADB would continue to work closely with the government to facilitate timely progress. They also said requirements related to subsequent processing and approvals, including those concerning consideration by the ADB Board, would be shared with the government in a timely manner.

The meeting was attended by ADB Country Director Emma Fan, ADB Deputy Country Director, Secretary Railways Mazhar Ali Shah, Secretary Economic Affairs Muhammad Humair Karim, Director General Planning of the Ministry of Railways, and other senior officials from relevant ministries and departments.