Abu Dhabi/Islamabad – Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to strengthen cooperation in railway modernization and infrastructure development on October 03, marking a significant step toward regional connectivity and sustainable economic growth.

Pakistan’s Minister of State for Finance and Railways, Bilal Azhar Kayani, met with the UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, on the sidelines of the Global Rail Infrastructure Conference and Exhibition in Abu Dhabi. The meeting focused on expanding bilateral cooperation in infrastructure development, modernizing Pakistan’s railway network, and promoting environmentally responsible transport solutions, Press Information Department (PID) said.

Mr. Kayani thanked Al Mazrouei and the UAE government for their hospitality and for hosting a conference that provides a vital platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration. He praised the UAE’s Etihad Rail project as a model for regional connectivity and expressed Pakistan’s commitment to following a similar path through modernization of its railway system.

Leading the Pakistan delegation, day a before, Mr. Kayani participated in the Ministerial Panel Discussion on “Building Connected Nations: The Role of Transport and Infrastructure in Sustainable Development.” According to PID, he outlined Pakistan’s vision to transform its railway sector into an efficient, reliable, and sustainable backbone of national transport.

He emphasized the upgradation of two major corridors, Main Line-1 (ML-1) and Main Line-3 (ML-3), as critical to boosting regional trade and aligning Pakistan’s network with global standards. On the sidelines, Mr. Kayani also met Etihad Rail CEO Shadi Malak to explore cooperation in freight logistics, technological exchange, and network development. He visited the exhibition stalls of Etihad Rail and Hafeet Rail to review regional innovations in rail infrastructure.

The Global Rail Conference and Exhibition, held from 30 September to 2 October 2025, has brought together transport ministers, policymakers, and industry leaders from around the world to shape the future of sustainable rail and infrastructure.

The agreement between Pakistan and the UAE to modernize rail infrastructure is a welcome step toward strengthening bilateral ties and fostering long-term prosperity. The collaboration holds immense promise, as improved rail connectivity will boost trade, create jobs, facilitate technology transfer, and promote green transport practices across South Asia and the Gulf.