China to provide 90% funding for $6.8 bln Pakistani railway project — minister

Policemen walk along trains stationed on a deserted platform at Karachi Cantonment railway station in Karachi on March 26, 2020. Under the $6.8 billion Mainline-1 (ML-1) project, Pakistan’s 2,655 km railway tracks will be upgraded to allow trains to move up to 165 km per hour, while the line capacity will increase from 34 to over 150 trains each way per day. (AFP/File)
Short Url
Updated 19 August 2020
Follow

China to provide 90% funding for $6.8 bln Pakistani railway project — minister

  • Construction of Mainline-1 (ML-1) project will start by year end, Shaikh Rashid Ahmed says 
  • At $6.8 billion, the ML-1 project is almost equal to Pakistan’s entire development budget for this fiscal year

KARACHI: Federal Minister for Railways Shaikh Rashid Ahmed said on Tuesday China would provide 90 percent financing for a $6.8 billion initiative to upgrade the 1,872 kilometers Mainline-1 (ML-1) railway project, the country’s costliest project to date as part of the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) agreement.

CPEC has seen Beijing pledge over $60 billion for infrastructure projects in Pakistan, central to China’s wider Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to develop land and sea trade routes in Asia and beyond.

“About 90 percent of financing for the project will be provided by the Chinese government [through the government concessional loan] while the remaining amount will be shared by us,” the railways minister told Arab News in an interview. 

“The process of tendering will start in the first week of September and take about two months to complete. We will most probably start implementing the project by the end of the year,” he said, adding that the project was scheduled to be completed in five years. 

Under the project, Pakistan’s existing 2,655km railway tracks would be upgraded to allow trains to move up to 165km per hour — twice as fast as they currently do — while the line capacity would increase from 34 to over 150 trains each way per day.

“When the ML-1 Project is completed, the speed of trains will more than double the current 65-110 kilometers per hour to 165 kilometers per hour,” Ahmed said. “Our cargo trains will also operate at a speed of 120 kilometers per hour.”
“We will also eliminate all crossings,” he added. “The new fully automatic [computer-based signaling and control] system will be installed, and underpasses and overhead bridges will be constructed.” 
Ahmed said the project would provide job opportunities to more than 150,000 people, of whom 90 percent would be Pakistanis and 10 percent would be Chinese nationals. 
“After the successful completion of ML-1, we will also focus on ML-2 and ML-3,” he said. 
The move ahead on ML-1, which has been on hold for years, will dispel notions that the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan is seeking to roll back some of the mega Chinese-funded projects that he himself had questioned when in opposition.
The ML-1 Project will be executed in three phases to avoid commitment charges, the minister said. The loan amount for each package would also be separately contracted to double the tracks from Karachi to Peshawar via Hyderabad, Nawabshah, Rohri, Rahimyar Khan, Bahawalpur, Khanewal, Sahiwal, Lahore, Gujrawala and Rawalpindi. 
At $6.8 billion, the ML-1 project is almost equal to Pakistan’s entire development budget for fiscal 2020/21, which stands at 1.32 trillion Pakistani rupees.
“One can only comment on the financing strategy [of the railway project] after more details become public. However, if its rate is within the same range offered by the World Bank to its affiliated institutions, then it is fine,” Dr. Ikram ul Haq, a Lahore-based financial analyst, told Arab News. “But if it is higher then comparative bidding should have been the best way.”


Pakistan security forces kill three burqa-clad militants in northwest – military

Updated 07 February 2025
Follow

Pakistan security forces kill three burqa-clad militants in northwest – military

  • Incident occurred in North Waziristan where the forces launched an intelligence-based operation
  • Pakistani soldiers engaged a militant hideout, forcing those present inside to escape wearing burqas

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s security forces killed three militants disguised in burqas during an operation in the country’s northwest, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said on Friday.
The intelligence-based operation was carried out in Datta Khel, North Waziristan, a district bordering Afghanistan that was once a hub of militancy before Pakistan launched military operations to reclaim the region from armed groups.
North Waziristan, along with the rest of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, has witnessed a surge in militant violence since a fragile ceasefire agreement collapsed between the government and the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in late 2022.
Pakistan brands TTP fighters as “khwarij,” a historical reference to a radical sect in early Islam known for rebelling against legitimate authority, declaring other Muslims as apostates and justifying their killing.

This handout photo, taken and released by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on February 7, 2025, shows one of three burqa-clad militants killed during an operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. (Handout/ISPR)

“On the night of February 6-7, 2025, security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Datta Khel, North Waziristan District, on reported presence of khwarij,” the ISPR said.
“During the operation, own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location, as a result of which three khwarij were sent to hell, who were trying to escape wearing women’s attire (burqa),” it added.
The ISPR said weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants, whom the military said were actively involved in multiple violent activities in the region.
It added a sanitization operation was ongoing to eliminate any remaining militants in the area, reiterating that Pakistan’s security forces remain committed to eradicating militancy from the country.


PM Sharif urges ‘grants-based’ climate financing for developing nations like Pakistan

Updated 07 February 2025
Follow

PM Sharif urges ‘grants-based’ climate financing for developing nations like Pakistan

  • Shehbaz Sharif says climate adaption and green transformation is not possible with global support
  • He points at the ‘cruel paradox’ of Pakistan suffering despite accounting for 1 percent of global emissions

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday called for “more flexible and grants-based” financial assistance to help developing countries like Pakistan build climate resilience in a message to a gathering focusing on the issue.
Sharif’s video message was played at the Breathe Pakistan International Climate Change Conference, a two-day event hosted by Dawn Media Group in Islamabad. The event brought together nearly 100 global experts to address critical climate issues, aiming to foster collaboration and develop actionable solutions for a sustainable future.
In recent years, Pakistan has experienced erratic environmental patterns attributed to climate change, including extreme weather events such as droughts, heatwaves and floods. These events have led to loss of life, infrastructure damage and food security concerns.
“Pakistan’s climate story embodies a cruel paradox of our times,” Sharif told the gathering. “Our emissions are less than 1 percent, yet we are one of the most climate-affected countries with an unprecedented cycle of climate-induced floods, rapid glacial meltdown, blistering heat waves and soil-cracking droughts.”
“Developing countries like Pakistan need more predictable, flexible and grant-based financial support to build resilient infrastructure and invest in sustainable development,” he continued while reflecting on the nature of international support.
Sharif recalled that two years ago, one-third of Pakistan was submerged in floodwaters, displacing 33 million people and claiming 1,700 lives, transforming climate change from a distant threat to an urgent call to action.
He noted that without global empathy and support, “the path to climate adaptation and green transformation will remain elusive.”
“Therefore, let us make Breathe Pakistan a resounding call to action to ensure a cleaner, greener and more resilient Pakistan for generations to come,” he added.


Pakistan PM inaugurates renovated Gaddafi Stadium, hopes for Champions Trophy victory

Updated 07 February 2025
Follow

Pakistan PM inaugurates renovated Gaddafi Stadium, hopes for Champions Trophy victory

  • Sharif praises the national team for playing good cricket in recent month and winning people’s hearts
  • He says the nation is praying for players and await the time of their ‘decisive victory’ over India in Dubai

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Friday ahead of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Champions Trophy 2025, expressing hope for the national team’s victory in the tournament.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has renovated major cricket venues in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi for the first ICC event hosted in Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup.
The PCB said a day earlier that Gaddafi Stadium had been transformed into a world-class facility, now featuring over 34,000 seats, new digital scoreboards and state-of-the-art floodlights to ensure clear visibility for players and spectators during night matches.

National cricket team reveals Pakistan’s Champions Trophy jersey during the inauguration ceremony of renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 7, 2025, ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025. (Photo courtesy: PCB/Handout)

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Sharif praised the national team for playing good cricket in recent months, saying Pakistani players had won “the hearts of the entire nation.”
“Championship Trophy is looking forward to your victory,” Sharif said, addressing the players present at the gathering. “We are all praying for you and will wait for the time when you will score a decisive victory against India.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meets the Pakistan Cricket Team players at the inauguration of the renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 7, 2025. (Handout/PMO)

The prime minister specifically acknowledged star players, skipper Muhammad Rizwan, batting ace Babar Azam and leading pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, saying the nation had tremendous expectations from them.

Fireworks underway as Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurates renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 7, 2025, ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025. (Photo courtesy: PCB/Handout)

Sharif also congratulated PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for overseeing the stadium’s transformation within just 117 days, adding the Punjab provincial administration would ensure foolproof security for the matches played at the venue.
He highlighted that Pakistan was hosting a major ICC event after 29 years and expressed his desire to watch the India-Pakistan match in Dubai, referencing the hybrid model of the tournament after India’s cricket board refused to play in Pakistan, citing “security concerns.”

Pakistani crowd attends the inauguration ceremony of renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 7, 2025, ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025. (Photo courtesy: PCB/Handout)

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be held from February 19 to March 9.
The stadium’s inauguration ceremony, attended by high-profile politicians and government officials, was followed by a fireworks display, light show and live music performances.

Pakistani artists perform during the inauguration ceremony of renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 7, 2025, ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025. (Photo courtesy: PCB/Handout)

 


Oman eyes Pakistan’s indigenous defense production, deeper air force ties

Updated 07 February 2025
Follow

Oman eyes Pakistan’s indigenous defense production, deeper air force ties

  • Both countries have history of defense cooperation, including military exercises and procurement
  • Oman’s officials expressed interest in closer defense collaboration during Pakistani air chief’s visit

ISLAMABAD: Oman has expressed interest in expanding collaboration with the Pakistan Air Force and exploring Pakistan’s indigenous defense production capabilities, according to a statement by the military media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), on Friday.
The announcement follows Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu’s visit to the Arab country, where he engaged in discussions with civil and military leaders. The air chief was received with full military honors, underscoring the importance of the visit in enhancing bilateral relations.
Sidhu highlighted that both countries had consistently supported each other in challenging times, and the Pakistan Air Force was committed to providing training and support for the Royal Air Force of Oman, from basic to tactical-level training.
“During the meetings, the leadership of the Sultanate of Oman showed keen interest in the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park and expressed a strong desire for enhanced industrial and technological collaboration,” the statement said, referring to a high-tech facility established by Pakistan to promote indigenous defense production, aerospace research and technological innovation.
“The leadership of the Sultanate of Oman expressed a deep desire to expand the existing Air Force-to-Air Force collaboration, underscoring the importance of joint bilateral and multilateral aerial exercises, exchange visits and knowledge-sharing platforms,” it added.
Pakistan and Oman have a history of defense cooperation, including joint military exercises and defense procurement. In October 2020, both nations signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen military ties through knowledge exchange and expertise-sharing.
Diplomatically, the two countries share close relations based on mutual cooperation and cultural ties. Oman has an embassy in Islamabad and a Consulate-General in Karachi, while Pakistan maintains an embassy in Muscat.
The ISPR statement informed the Omani officials acknowledged the participation of a Royal Air Force of Oman contingent as observers in Exercise Indus Shield-2024, expressing appreciation for the multi-domain airpower strategies demonstrated, particularly the integration of disruptive technologies in space, cyber and electronic warfare.


Pakistan’s LNG deal with Qatar open to renegotiation next year

Updated 07 February 2025
Follow

Pakistan’s LNG deal with Qatar open to renegotiation next year

  • Country’s petroleum minister previously described the deal as ‘costly,’ expressing interest in revisiting it
  • He says no renegotiation decision has been made, though Pakistan has a whole year to figure out options

KARACHI: Pakistan’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) pact with Qatar allows for either party to initiate renegotiation talks next year but no decision has been taken on whether to do this, Pakistan's petroleum minister told Reuters on Friday.
Musadik Malik was clarifying comments made to a parliamentary committee on energy, as reported in local newspaper The News, which had quoted him as saying: “The Qatar agreement is costly, and we will negotiate better terms next year.”
Malik told Reuters he had been laying out details of the various contracts Pakistan has for LNG. “One provision was price renegotiation could take place at the 10th year of the Qatar LNG deal,” he said, adding that Pakistan has a whole year to “figure out its options.”
Pakistan’s biggest LNG agreement was signed in 2016 between Pakistan State Oil and Qatar's Qatargas-2, the world’s largest producer, for up to 3.75 million tons of LNG a year for 15 years, although a cancellation option can shorten the deal to 11 years if the parties fail to agree a new price.
An economic crisis has slashed power use in Pakistan, which gets more than a third of its electricity from natural gas, saddling it with excess capacity it still needs to pay for under decade-old contracts with independent power producers.
Citing a surplus of LNG, Malik said in December that Pakistan had deferred five contracted cargoes under the Qatar deal for a year and would now receive them in 2026 instead of 2025, with no financial penalty.
He added that Pakistan was also negotiating to defer five more cargoes from other unnamed sellers.