Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed the integration of Reko Diq with the railway network by 2028 to meet future transportation and freight service requirements. He issued these directives while presiding over a high-level meeting in Islamabad regarding the upgradation of Pakistan Railways and the linking of Reko Diq with the railway network.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister instructed the formation of an inter-ministerial committee to oversee the financing matters related to the upgrading and development of Pakistan Railways. The committee is tasked with presenting concrete suggestions regarding the financing required for the development of Pakistan Railways and its extension to Reko Diq.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan Railways is crucial for the country’s economy and communication. He highlighted that it is a cost-effective, fast, and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. Shehbaz Sharif also noted that linking the railways with Reko Diq will spur development in Balochistan’s mines and mineral sector and create new employment opportunities for local residents.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister received a briefing on the upgrading of the ML-1 and ML-3 railways and the overall development of Pakistan Railways to meet the future demands of transportation and freight services.