Business Desk 
Aug 10, 2025
In a landmark development, Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi has officially announced a $10 billion railway project which will connect Pakistan with Central Asia.
The initiative encompasses an 850-kilometre rail link from Kohat to Mazar-i-Sharif, alongside a 75-kilometre extension to Uzbekistan, currently under intense scrutiny.
During a visit to Faisalabad Railway Station, Abbasi stated that under the prime minister’s vision, both short- and long-term projects are underway across the country to transform rail operations, promote regional connectivity and provide world-class facilities to the passengers.
Under the digitalisation drive, the ticketing system has been fully automated, while the train tracking system is operational, and ATMs have been installed at major stations, according to the railway minister.
In partnership with Punjab, WiFi services are being introduced at 40 railway stations across the province. The initiative has started from Lahore and would soon extend to Faisalabad, Karachi, Hyderabad and other cities, he added.
He said that special saloons previously reserved for government officials have now been opened for the general public for rent at reasonable rates.
Moreover, the cleanliness system has been revolutionised while the solid waste management companies have taken over responsibilities at Rawalpindi’s three stations, Khanewal, Multan, Raiwind, Okara and Lahore’s three stations.
On the other hand, under an agreement with the Sindh government, Rohri Railway Station would be upgraded on the Lahore model, while a modern Karachi station is expected to be inaugurated on September 10.
