ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday outlined an ambitious push to overhaul underperforming Pakistan Railways, placing private sector participation at the centre of a reform agenda aimed at reviving the long-struggling national carrier.
Chairing a high-level meeting on railway reforms, Sharif directed that revenues generated from private sector investment in railway land be channelled into modernising the country’s ailing railway network.
He also approved a strategic roadmap aimed at comprehensive reforms, signalling a determination to move beyond mere rhetoric.
“Pakistan Railways has immense potential to become a safe and affordable mode of transport for both passengers and freight,” the prime minister stated, stressing that freight services – the backbone of the railway system – would be promoted on a priority basis.
He further called for the engagement of internationally recognised experts and consultants to ensure the reform agenda is implemented effectively.
According to the prime minister, an efficient railway system will ease traffic congestion on the country’s roads, reduce carbon emissions, and promote environmentally friendly transport options.
“Revamping Pakistan Railways will not only strengthen regional connectivity but also invigorate economic activity,” he added.
The meeting included a detailed briefing on the strategic roadmap, which aims to increase Pakistan Railways’ market share in both passenger and freight sectors.
The officials outlined key pillars of the plan, including enhancing service quality, expanding network capacity, ensuring financial stability, and upgrading governance structures.
Digitisation, the introduction of modern coaches, and improved passenger facilities at stations and trains were also highlighted as critical components.
The roadmap envisages large-scale infrastructure upgrades, including the modernisation of ML-1, ML-2, and ML-3 lines, alongside other critical tracks.
Right-sizing initiatives and private sector participation via PPPs are expected to complement these upgrades, providing a much-needed financial boost to the system.
Federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Ahad Cheema, Hanif Abbasi, Advisor on Privatization Muhammad Ali, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kiyani, and senior officials from relevant departments were present at the meeting.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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