Manila: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar visited the Asian Development Bank (ADB) headquarters in Manila, engaging in discussions to enhance the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the ADB. The visit underscored collaborative efforts in infrastructure, climate resilience, and sustainable economic growth.

According to Radio Pakistan, Ishaq Dar was welcomed by Leah Gutierrez, Director General for the Central and West Asia Department, and signed the ADB Visitors’ Book. A working lunch, hosted by Pakistan’s Executive Director to the ADB, Nashita Mohsin, allowed for an exchange of views on the ADB’s development agenda and Pakistan’s role in it. Dar praised the contributions of Pakistani professionals at the ADB and congratulated Mohsin on her new role.

The Deputy Prime Minister also met with ADB Vice Presidents Yingming Yang and Fatima Yasmin, along with other officials, to discuss strengthening cooperation. The talks focused on infrastructure projects, including the Main Line-1 railway project, a priority of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Dar emphasized ADB’s role in the project and requested expedited processing. ADB officials reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the initiative, recognizing its potential to modernize Pakistan’s railway network and boost economic growth.