US offers to sell locomotives to Pakistan, extend cooperation in mineral resources

Islamabad (Web Desk): The US administration has extended an offer to Pakistan for the supply of American-made locomotives (rail engines) and has also proposed cooperation in Pakistan’s mineral resources sector. According to official sources, these discussions took place two months ago during Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb’s visit to Washington, which coincided with the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Sources indicated that US Special Assistants Raymond Emory Cox and Ricky Gill engaged in multiple meetings with the Pakistani delegation, emphasizing the Trump administration's priority to protect American commercial interests globally. Ricky Gill, during the talks, specifically requested Pakistan’s support for the purchase of American locomotives, noting that tenders for the locomotives have already been issued. This marks a significant step, as Pakistan had previously purchased 55 locomotives from the U.S. a few years ago.

Meanwhile, sources pointed out that Pakistan Railways is currently grappling with severe financial difficulties. At present, the country is heavily reliant on the repair and maintenance of its existing locomotives, as opposed to procuring new ones. The cost of repairing 100 diesel-electric locomotives has escalated significantly, now totaling around Rs. 16 billion. This underlines the growing challenges faced by Pakistan Railways in maintaining its infrastructure while managing its financial constraints.

The offer from the US could provide Pakistan with much-needed assistance to modernize its rail fleet, particularly with the purchase of new locomotives. These developments are viewed as part of a broader effort to strengthen economic and trade relations between the two nations, with a focus on infrastructure and resource development.