QUETTA/ISLAMABAD: Jamal Shah Kakar, the Provincial General Secretary of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Balochistan and a Member of the National Assembly, has emphasized that railway development is crucial for the economic progress of the province.
Speaking at a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Railways, Kakar stated that railways provide cheap, safe travel and are the “backbone” for national trade, industry, and agriculture. He argued that improved rail infrastructure would boost Balochistan’s economy and create new employment opportunities for its people.
Highlighting the current deficiencies, Kakar pointed out that despite being the largest province by area and rich in mineral resources, Balochistan’s railway infrastructure is inadequate. He stressed the urgent need to connect the province’s districts to the national rail network to facilitate access to Gwadar Port and other trade centers.
The MNA specifically stressed on two critical projects:
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Restoration of the Sibi-Harnai Line: This historic track, damaged in the 2006 earthquake and floods, has seen multiple failed restoration attempts. Its revival is essential for local employment, trade, and transportation.
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Connecting Zhob: He described Zhob as a strategic location connecting Balochistan to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Including it in the railway network could open land routes to Central Asia.
Kakar urged relevant institutions to prioritize and complete Balochistan’s railway projects to transform the province into a hub for domestic trade and regional development.
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