ML-1 Project: A Historic Transformation of Pakistan Railways Unmatched Since Independence

Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Reforms, Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar, announced on Sunday the government's commitment to advance the transformative ML-I mega project, focusing on the dualization and modernization of the railway track stretching from Peshawar to Karachi.

Addressing the "Friends of Silk Road" seminar, organized by the Pakistan-China Institute, Minister Bakhtiar highlighted the nationwide consensus on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), predicting that eventually, CPEC energy initiatives would account for 80% of Pakistan's electricity generation.

He also shared that the legal framework for the Gwadar Free Trade Zone was now in place and emphasized the establishment of the Pakistan-China Business Council and the CPEC Authority to drive CPEC's progress.

The seminar was presided over by Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee and the Pakistan China Institute.

Ambassador Yao Jing of China reassured attendees that CPEC was not experiencing any slowdown, underscoring the solid foundation and a new direction set for the project. He revealed three key focus areas for the new stage of CPEC collaboration:

#### Special Economic Zones
An emphasis on Rashakai and private sector participation.

#### Agriculture
Plans for a special agricultural expo in October in Islamabad and Lahore, with a keen focus on fisheries.

#### Social Sector Development
Fast-tracking 27 projects in six areas, boosted by a generous $1 billion grant from the Chinese government.

Senator Mushahid Hussain emphasized that CPEC's success was grounded in the robust framework of Pakistan-China relations. He highlighted the manifold benefits of CPEC, including rejuvenating projects like the Gwadar port and Thar coal project, enhancing Pakistan's image as an investment-friendly destination, fostering physical connectivity, expanding Pakistan's strategic influence, and providing employment to 70,000 Pakistanis. This collaborative endeavor continues to infuse new hope and confidence into the nation.