Prime Minister highlights improved ties with US, CPEC-2 progress, and major railway upgrades during Lahore address.
LAHORE / ISLAMABAD – July 30, 2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday lauded US President Donald Trump’s intervention in ending the recent conflict between Pakistan and India, calling it a “major diplomatic achievement” for the country.
“There is no bigger diplomatic achievement than this,” PM Shehbaz said at a ceremony marking the inauguration of the upgraded Pak Business Express and improved passenger facilities at the Lahore Railway Station. “US President Mr. Trump has said that he stopped the war between Pakistan and India. We are streamlining our relations with the United States,” he added.
CPEC-2 and Economic Gains
The Prime Minister also emphasized Pakistan’s strong relations with China, confirming full coordination on the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC-2). He further noted a sharp improvement in the country’s economic indicators — citing a drop in inflation from 38% to 5% and a reduction in the policy rate to 11%.
Reviving Pakistan Railways
Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the decline of Pakistan Railways from its former status as a model transport system but expressed optimism about its revival. He praised Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi for overseeing major service upgrades, including Wi-Fi access, escalators, renovated dining areas, clean washrooms, and modern ticketing systems.
He called for further digitisation and urged the ministry to resume international freight operations to strengthen regional trade links. Minister Abbasi shared that Pakistan Railways earned Rs93 billion in revenue during FY 2024-25, attributing the progress to support from provincial governments and an ongoing fleet overhaul.
Strengthening Ties with Kyrgyzstan
In a separate engagement, PM Shehbaz met with a high-level Kyrgyz delegation led by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Edil Baisalov. The meeting, held during the 5th Session of the Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan Joint Intergovernmental Commission, focused on boosting cooperation in trade, energy, and connectivity. Several MoUs were signed to enhance bilateral ties.
Upcoming Visit to China for SCO Summit
The Prime Minister is also scheduled to depart for China today (Wednesday) to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. During his visit, he is expected to hold high-level bilateral meetings with Chinese leadership and meet global leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.
He has also called a federal cabinet meeting ahead of his departure.
