ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government gets ADB’s financing package of two billion dollars for the launching of the first phase of Karachi-Peshawar railway project.
In the first phase, the railway line from Karachi to Rohri will be launched.
According to the report, the project has been targeted for completion before December 2028 to support the transportation network linked with the multi-billion-dollar Reko Diq copper and gold venture.
Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, during a press briefing, stated that two major sections of the $10 billion ML-1 expansion project are scheduled to be finalized by the end of 2028.
He added that progress is already underway on the Karachi–Rohri segment under a $2 billion ADB financing package.
Furthermore, discussions with the Reko Diq Mining Company are currently ongoing regarding the Rohri–Nokkundi section.
Both railway segments are expected to be completed before the commencement of production at Reko Diq.
Reko Diq is one of the world’s largest untapped copper and gold reserves, located in the Chagai district of Balochistan, Pakistan.
The area is rich in minerals and holds significant economic importance for the country.
The name “Reko Diq” is derived from the Balochi language, meaning “sandy peak,” reflecting its desert landscape.
The mining project aims to extract high-quality copper and gold ore using modern techniques and international investment.
The Government of Pakistan, along with provincial authorities and international companies, is working to ensure development that benefits both the economy and the people of Balochistan. Once operational, the project is expected to generate billions of dollars in revenue, create thousands of employment opportunities, and bring essential infrastructure such as roads, rail links, and housing facilities to the region. Reko Diq stands as a symbol of Pakistan’s potential in the global mining sector and its path toward sustainable development.
