ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s envoy to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) said on Thursday Pakistan and the UAE plan to collaborate and share expertise in the railway sector, adding that the Gulf state is already involved in the Main Line-1 (ML-1) project and that Islamabad is in contact with Etihad Rail in this connection.
The ML-1 project is Pakistan’s largest railway infrastructure upgrade involving the modernization and dual-tracking of the 1,872 km Karachi-Peshawar railway line, including signaling upgrades, bridges, stations and speed enhancements.
Together with ML-3, which links Quetta to Kotri via Jacobabad, the two railway lines are viewed as pivotal for regional connectivity by expanding freight capacity and shortening travel time.
The Pakistani envoy’s statement came as a delegation from his country, led by Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kiyani, participated in the Global Rail Conference and Exhibition 2025, which started in Abu Dhabi on Sept. 30 and concluded on Oct. 2.
“This was a great opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its central position between Central Asia, South Asia and the Middle East,” Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan’s ambassador to the UAE, told Arab News.
“Both countries will share experiences and best practices, as the UAE is already involved in the ML-1 section and the government of Pakistan is in touch with Etihad Rail in this regard,” he said while sharing the details of Kiyani’s visit.
The global transport summit has brought together over 24 ministerial delegations, more than 60 global CEOs and 200 international speakers from across the world under the theme “Driving the Future of Transport and Global Connectivity.”
Hosted by Etihad Rail in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the event featured over 200 exhibiting companies and attracted more than 20,000 participants, serving as a global platform for strategic dialogue, project showcases and shaping the future of rail and infrastructure.
“Now, it’s an opportunity for all countries to look for connectivity and the cheapest mode of transportation of goods in the world after sea freight, which is railway,” the envoy said, adding that railway is also environmentally friendly.
He said the Pakistani state minister also had an opportunity to take a ride on the fast track which was set up between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and will become operational in 2026.
“It took him 35 minutes to travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai on the new railway track,” he added.
Tirmizi said Kiyani also chaired a session attended by railway ministers from several friendly nations, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
The ambassador said the Pakistani minister also held a meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during which he emphasized the need for greater collaboration between the two countries in governance, electricity, railways and investment.
“Overall, this [event] has had a tremendous impact not only on bilateral relations but also on regional connectivity,” he added.
In a separate statement, Pakistan’s diplomatic mission in the UAE said Kiyani highlighted his country’s vision for transforming its railway sector into an efficient, reliable and environmentally sustainable backbone of national transport.
He particularly emphasized the upgradation of two major railway corridors, ML-1 and ML-3, while aligning Pakistan’s rail network with international standards.
“Pakistan’s active presence at the Global Rail Conference 2025 reflects its strong commitment to advancing sustainable transport solutions and forging strategic international partnerships that support long-term economic development and connectivity,” the statement added.
On the sidelines, the Pakistani minister also met Etihad Rail CEO Shadi Malak to discuss potential cooperation in freight logistics, technology exchange and network development.
He also visited Etihad Rail and Hafeet Rail exhibition stalls to review regional innovations in rail systems.
