Excluding the ML-1 railway project from the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework is being seen as an opportunity to strengthen Pakistan’s economic sovereignty, according to a statement issued today by Pasban Democratic Party Chairman Altaf Shakoor. He states that this change could provide the country with the opportunity to modernize its railway system through local resources.
The existing railway line from Karachi to Peshawar holds the status of a crucial economic artery for Pakistan. Shakoor advocates for its immediate development, suggesting the conversion of single tracks to double tracks, the installation of strong security fencing, and the implementation of modern digital signaling and communication systems. The aim of these improvements is to enhance train speed, safety, capacity, and punctuality.
Shakoor highlights the potential of Pakistan Railways, citing its technical expertise and experienced workforce. He believes that with government support, fostering public-private partnerships and encouraging local investment could complete the development of the ML-1 project without foreign loans. Declaring this initiative a national development project, he appeals for the involvement of local investors and the business community.
Emphasizing the need to move beyond traditional project upgrades, Shakoor appeals to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and other key stakeholders to adopt a strategy that frees Pakistan from debt commitments. He suggests securing foreign loans for proposed projects like high-speed bullet trains, connecting major cities like Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar, which could revolutionize travel and boost economic activities.
With Pakistan already burdened by significant foreign debt, Shakoor advises caution in seeking additional loans for existing railway improvements. Instead, he recommends seeking international investment for projects that could have a profound impact on the country’s future trajectory, such as the bullet train, which promises to enhance the industrial, commercial, and tourism sectors.
Shakoor’s call to action is a movement for economic sovereignty, encouraging policymakers and the public to embrace a future where Pakistan’s infrastructure developments are based on self-reliance and pave the way for long-term prosperity.