World Bank and IFC Reaffirm Strong Support for Pakistan Railways’ Modernization Drive

World Bank and IFC Reaffirm Strong Support for Pakistan Railways’ Modernization Drive

Pakistan’s railway infrastructure, top representatives from the World Bank (WB) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) pledged full support for the modernization of Pakistan Railways during a high-level meeting held in Islamabad on Wednesday.

The meeting was chaired by Minister of State for Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani and attended by WB Regional Director Pankaj Gupta, WB Program Leader Muhammad Anis, and IFC Country Principal Officer Naz Khan.

During the session, both sides exchanged strategic proposals to enhance Pakistan’s railway network, focusing on efficiency, reliability, and economic growth. The discussions aimed to align development plans with the government’s broader infrastructure and transport modernization agenda.

“Modernizing Pakistan Railways is a core priority of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif,” said Minister Kayani. “These reforms are not just about upgrading trains—they are about boosting national trade, enhancing connectivity, and accelerating economic development.”

The World Bank and IFC representatives outlined a range of innovative solutions to expedite progress in the sector, including sustainable investment frameworks, public-private partnerships, and technology-driven upgrades. Both institutions reaffirmed their long-term commitment to supporting Pakistan’s efforts in transforming its rail network into a modern, eco-friendly, and passenger-centric system.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with mutual consensus to strengthen cooperation and accelerate implementation of the proposed initiatives.