Pakistan Railways

Floodwaters have severed the rail link between Lahore and Faisalabad due to breaches in Deg and Bherr nullahs, causing bridge damage and the suspension of train services. Trains are being diverted via Sahiwal and Khanewal until repairs can be made after floodwaters recede.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the modernization of Pakistan Railways to establish the country as a regional trade and logistics hub. The review meeting outlined progress on infrastructure projects like ML-1 and ML-3 upgrades, the Thar Coal Railway Connectivity Project, and plans for station commercialization and digitization.

A Pakistani Senate panel criticized the 20-year delay in transferring ownership of Karachi's Hyatt Regency Hotel to the purchaser, citing unresolved legal issues and lack of a no-objection certificate from Pakistan Railways. The committee also discussed plans to outsource operations at Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad airports to improve efficiency.

The federal cabinet approved a new Haj policy (2027–2030) to enhance pilgrim services, including non-annual registration, digitization of systems, and a Shariah-compliant savings scheme. It also approved healthcare outsourcing for Islamabad facilities and noted a revenue increase at Pakistan Railways.

Pakistan Railways will use a $390 million bridge loan from Reko Diq Mining Company (RDMC) to fund the 996-km ML-3 rail upgrade project, aimed at supporting transportation for the Reko Diq copper and gold project. The Planning Commission has raised concerns about fiscal risks, security costs, and inadequate post-completion planning for the $892 million project, which is a joint venture involving Barrick Gold Corporation, Balochistan government, and federal entities.