PM Shehbaz Vows to Revive Karachi Circular Railway and Link It to CPEC

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to reviving the long-stalled Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) in partnership with the Sindh government and integrating it into the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Speaking at the inauguration of the new Shalimar Express and upgraded facilities at Karachi Cantonment Railway Station, he said the KCR project is essential for Karachi’s transportation needs and has been advocated at international forums. The prime minister highlighted that 54 railway stations have already been upgraded, and digitisation and improved facilities will strengthen Pakistan Railways. He also discussed expanding Pakistan’s regional connectivity through the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan rail corridor and efforts to revive the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul route. A $2 billion ADB loan is under consideration to modernise the Karachi–Rohri line. Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah welcomed the federal support