ML-1 pact: Govt approves talks with China on state-of-the-art railway project

• PM Shehbaz Sharif chairs federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad.
• ML-1 project one of crucial components of multibillion CPEC.
• Premier says LEAs’ capacity to be strengthened in Balochistan.
  

The federal cabinet has approved starting negotiations on the Financial Commitment Agreement between China and Pakistan Railways to upgrade the long-awaited Mainline-1 (ML-1) project — a crucial component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Friday, instructed that the final agreement on the state-of-the-art railway project be brought back to the cabinet for approval.

The ML-1 is one of the strategic projects between both countries for the development of infrastructure after the federal government approved the annual plan for budget 2024-25 in June to kick-start implementation of the second phase of the CPEC.

Under the plan, the government will focus on bilateral cooperation in diverse sectors including industry, agriculture modernisation, socioeconomic development, scientific collaboration, infrastructure and energy, The News reported.

The railway project consists of three phases having a total length of 1,726km, once implemented, is expected to considerably improve the logistics performance of the country.

It is the commitment of the Chinese side they will consider providing financing support, including loans with favourable terms, for this strategic project. The financing scheme shall be negotiated and agreed upon by the relevant departments of both sides.

The upgraded ML-1 is designed for 160km/hr on the upgraded track, while its operational speed is set at 120km/h. The existing line capacity of ML-1 will be enhanced from 34 to 120 trains per day, addressing future population growth with a forward-looking approach. Upgraded ML-1 will seamlessly combine speed, reliability and capacity in rail transportation.

The passenger handling capacity of ML-1, at its optimum, will be boosted from the existing 29 million to 170 million, and freight capacity from 8 to 43 million tons.

Realistically speaking, the envisaged upgradation of ML-1 will meet passenger and freight requirements for about 25 to 30 years. There are certain observations of relevant ministries.

The PC-I of ML-1 does not include the scope and cost of the rolling stock and security infrastructure of ML-1, the publication said, adding that another PC-I of around Rs36 billion is under process for the purpose of security.

'Terrorism to be eliminated for country's progress'

The prime minister briefed the cabinet on his recent visit to Quetta, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agencies, such as the police and levies, in Balochistan.

“This is for sure, the armed forces and the law enforcement agencies will collectively make them (terrorists) an example. Without this, the country’s journey of progress and prosperity cannot be accomplished. We have unity of thought and action on this,” he remarked addressing the meeting.

PM Shehbaz said that the provincial government and the political leaders unanimously viewed that any talks with the anti-state elements were out of the question.

He said the family members of the martyrs he interacted with during his visit, were in high morale despite losing their dear ones in the terrorist incident.

The premier said the federal government would implement the proposals put forward by the provincial political leaders during his visit.

He told the cabinet members that during the visit, the Quetta Corps Commander gave a presentation on challenges faced by Balochistan and how the terrorists, funded by foreign forces, were sowing hatred against Pakistan among the people. He said the civilian government was also taking effective measures for the youth's uplift.

Besides, the officers and the personnel of the armed forces were chasing the terrorists with the federal government’s support, he said and assured the federal government’s support for the capacity building of Levies.

He said a 10% additional quota had been allocated for Balochistan in schemes like laptops and agricultural training in China. Besides, the federal government would spend Rs55 billion to solarise agricultural tube wells in Balochistan.

He also praised the Balochistan provincial government for its commendable efforts to integrate Baloch youth into the national mainstream, aiming for their development and prosperity.

The prime minister said that the federal government will fully support the Balochistan government in offering world-class education and equal development opportunities to Baloch youth.

The prime minister said that Moody’s has recently upgraded Pakistan’s rating to indicate the country’s improving economic condition.

“This is a long journey. This yet needs more concerted efforts to improve the economy. The whole nation, including the provincial governments, are united on this."

Prime Minister Shehbaz said that the federal government would soon unveil its five-year Home Grown Economic Revival Plan aimed at boosting exports, agriculture, industry, youth’s uplift, skill and vocational training.

“We have to take this journey ahead. The nations who work hard and face challenges resolutely achieve excellence. Pakistan will soon achieve economic independence and emerge as an economic power as there is no other way out,” he added.

The cabinet also approved the decisions made by the Economic Coordination Committee on August 29, 2024.