PM calls for bringing railways back on track

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday called for immediate reforms in Pakistan Railways, underscoring the need for incorporating private sector expertise to revamp the country’s vital transportation network and spur economic growth.

In a meeting with private sector representatives, the prime minister acknowledged the dedication of the railway workforce, which has kept the system functional despite limited resources.

However, he emphasised that the railways, a cornerstone of national infrastructure, had long been in need of comprehensive reforms, particularly in its institutional and administrative operations.

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“These reforms are crucial to transforming Pakistan Railways into a profitable entity, which is not only vital for the railway sector but also for the broader trade and industrial landscape of the country,” he added.

He added that such changes were overdue and necessary for the national economy, especially given the strategic role railways play in boosting trade and industrial output.

A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that, following Prime Minister Sharif’s directives, Pakistan Railways will present a detailed roadmap for reform next week after consulting with all relevant stakeholders.

Echoing the legacy of colonial-era railways that have long failed to evolve, the prime minister emphasised that modernising the system was not merely a domestic necessity but a critical step to restore the country’s faltering regional economic ties and end its reliance on outdated infrastructure.

He noted that while the government has already launched several initiatives aimed at improving the sector, much more needs to be done to address the neglect of railway projects in past years, despite their potential to drive economic growth.

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Looking ahead, the prime minister said that the upcoming Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the next fiscal year will include a dedicated budget for railways development.

He also stressed the need for urgent reforms to better integrate Pakistan Railways into the global commercial transportation network, with the goal of making it a key driver of economic growth and national revenue.

Additionally, the prime minister directed a review of potential public-private partnerships to maximise the commercial use of railway infrastructure. Improving the rail network, he argued, would not only bolster domestic trade but also enhance regional cooperation.

The meeting was attended by several ministers including Hanif Abbasi, Mohammad Aurangzeb, and Musadik Malik, National Coordinator for the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), Lt Gen Sarfraz Ahmed as well as private sector experts Zaid Bashir and Saad Ahsanuddin.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026