Bangkok: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has reiterated its commitment to support Pakistan’s development initiatives, with a focus on accelerating the implementation of the ML-1 Railway Upgradation Project. This assurance was given by ADB President Masato Kanda during a meeting with Pakistan’s Minister for Economic Affairs, Ahad Khan Cheema, held on the sidelines of the 2026 Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand.

According to Radio Pakistan, the discussions highlighted Pakistan’s development priorities and explored ways to enhance cooperation under the ADB Country Partnership Strategy 2026-2030. Minister Cheema expressed gratitude for ADB’s longstanding partnership and welcomed the new strategy as a framework for a more strategic collaboration.

The minister emphasized the necessity for private sector-led growth and urged an expansion of ADB’s non-sovereign operations in Pakistan. He called for a stronger on-ground presence to facilitate investment transactions and develop a pipeline of public-private partnership projects. Additionally, he acknowledged ADB’s leadership in advancing the ML-1 Railway Upgradation Project, underscoring the importance of completing the feasibility study and beginning the procurement process promptly.

Both parties expressed their intent to work closely together to expedite project implementation and achieve sustainable development outcomes for Pakistan.