Pakistan Asks Japan to Fund ML-1 Railway Project

The government has invited the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to co-finance the multibillion-dollar Main-Line 1 (ML-1) Railway Project as Pakistan looks to expand development cooperation with Japan.

The proposal was discussed during a meeting between Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema and JICA President Dr. Tanaka Akihiko, who led a high-level delegation to discuss expanding Japan's support for Pakistan's priority development sectors.

During the meeting, Cheema invited JICA to join the financing of the ML 1 project, noting that the Asian Development Bank and other development partners are already supporting the initiative. He said the railway modernization project would strengthen Pakistan's transport network, facilitate trade, improve industrial connectivity, and support long-term economic growth.

Dr. Tanaka acknowledged the strategic importance of the project and said JICA would consider the proposal. ML-1 is one of Pakistan's largest railway modernization projects under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor and aims to upgrade the country's main railway line.

The minister also sought JICA's support for workforce development, rural internet infrastructure, and feasibility studies for major development projects. He also proposed greater cooperation in preserving Gandhara heritage sites to promote tourism. JICA welcomed the proposals and said it would consider them as part of its future cooperation with Pakistan.

Cheema also appreciated Japan's longstanding development partnership with Pakistan, noting that the country's Official Development Assistance of about $11.7 billion over the past seven decades has supported sectors including energy, transport, agriculture, water resources, health, education, industry, and security.

Both sides agreed to continue close engagement to further strengthen Pakistan Japan development cooperation.

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