Editorial
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent call for urgent reforms in Pakistan Railways marks a crucial step toward revitalising a sector that has long been neglected. During a meeting with private sector representatives, the prime minister highlighted the dedication of the railway workforce, acknowledging their efforts to keep the system functional despite limited resources. Yet, he stressed that the railways—an essential backbone of national infrastructure—require comprehensive institutional and administrative reforms to unlock their full potential.
Sharif emphasised that modernising Pakistan Railways is not merely a domestic necessity but a strategic economic priority. The railways hold enormous potential to boost trade, enhance industrial output, and strengthen regional economic ties, yet decades of underinvestment have left the system outdated and inefficient. The prime minister’s directives for a detailed reform roadmap, to be presented next week after consultations with stakeholders, aim to transform the sector into a profitable, commercially viable entity.
Public-private partnerships were highlighted as key to maximising the commercial use of railway infrastructure. Integrating modern management practices and private sector expertise, Sharif argued, will allow the railways to become a driver of national revenue while improving domestic and regional trade connectivity. The upcoming Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) will allocate dedicated funds for these reforms, reflecting the government’s commitment to the sector.
At the end of the day, Pakistan Railways is a subject under the Council of Common Interests (CCI). As per the Federal Legislative List II, its rehabilitation falls under the CCI’s jurisdiction. Therefore, the prime minister’s call for reform aligns with the CCI’s constitutional mandate to oversee and guide national infrastructure projects. Restoring the railways is not just an administrative necessity—it is a strategic imperative for Pakistan’s economic revival and regional competitiveness.
