The federal government has announced progress on several critical infrastructure projects under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2025-26. Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Minister Ahsan Iqbal chaired a high-level review meeting in Islamabad to assess developments in the railways, highways, and water sectors. During the meeting, he stressed timely execution, strict quality control, and realistic financial planning to ensure long-term national benefits.
ML-1, Thar Rail Connectivity Among Key Railway Priorities
While reviewing railway sector initiatives, officials briefed the minister on the status of the Main Line-1 project. In particular, groundwork for the Karachi–Rohri section of ML-1 is expected to begin in July 2026. This project remains central to Pakistan’s rail modernisation plan and aims to improve speed, safety, and cargo capacity.
In addition, the meeting reviewed the upgradation of 884 kilometres of Main Line-3. Progress on the Thar Coal Railway Connectivity Project also came under discussion. This strategic project seeks to strengthen logistics for energy supply and industrial growth. With an estimated cost of Rs53.7 billion, the project includes three major components. These cover a new 105-kilometre single-track line from Thar coal mines to Chorr, a nine-kilometre double-track line from Bin Qasim to Port Qasim, and coal unloading facilities at Port Qasim and Lakhra Power Plant. Authorities expect completion by June 2026.
Ahsan Iqbal directed the Ministry of Railways to submit a clear funding roadmap for the next three years. Moreover, he emphasized that speed and quality must not be compromised, as these projects represent long-term national assets.
Sukkur–Hyderabad Motorway Declared Top Highway Priority
The meeting also reviewed the National Highway Authority’s PSDP portfolio. Currently, the NHA oversees 71 projects with a combined cost of about Rs3,407 billion. During the discussion, the minister ordered that the Sukkur–Hyderabad Motorway be completed within three years. He declared it a top-priority project due to its importance for regional connectivity.
Furthermore, he instructed officials to accelerate work on the Karakoram Highway Phase-II. The project must be completed by 2028 to prevent disruption from the Diamer-Bhasha Dam reservoir. Under the Public-Private Partnership framework, he also highlighted the Sambrial–Kharian–Rawalpindi Motorway, the M-8 in Balochistan, and the Mashkel–Panjgur–Chahgi road as priority schemes.
To strengthen accountability, Ahsan Iqbal directed the NHA to establish a robust monitoring system. He also ordered fortnightly progress reports to ensure early identification of bottlenecks.
Water Sector Projects Linked to Economic and Climate Security
Major water sector initiatives under PSDP 2025-26 also came under review. These include 34 projects with a total approved cost of Rs1,848 billion. Key schemes discussed were the Dasu Hydropower Project, Diamer-Bhasha Dam, Mohmand Dam, Chashma Right Bank Canal, Tarbela 5th Extension, and the K-IV water supply project for Karachi.
The minister instructed the Ministry of Water Resources to submit detailed funding requirements for the next three years. He stressed realistic resource planning to avoid delays and cost overruns. Notably, he declared the Mohmand Dam a priority due to its role in water storage, flood control, irrigation, and power generation.
Concluding the meeting, Ahsan Iqbal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to infrastructure-led growth. He emphasized that coordinated planning and fiscal discipline are essential for improving connectivity, boosting the economy, and enhancing citizens’ quality of life.
