Hanif Abbasi invites private sector investment in Railways

LAHORE, Mar 14 (APP):Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi on Saturday said that Pakistan Railways is actively working to achieve the targets set by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif by opening new avenues for private sector participation in infrastructure development, freight services and commercial ventures.
He expressed these views while talking to Chairperson of the Nishat Group, Mian Muhammad Mansha, who visited Pakistan Railways Headquarters and called on the minister.
During the meeting, the minister briefed Mian Muhammad Mansha on Pakistan Railways’ ongoing and upcoming initiatives under the framework of public-private partnerships (PPP). He highlighted the government’s commitment to adopting international best practices in public-private collaboration to modernize Pakistan Railways, enhance operational efficiency and create viable investment opportunities for the private sector.
Hanif Abbasi said that these initiatives aim to strengthen the financial sustainability of Pakistan Railways while also contributing to national economic growth.
Following the meeting, the minister accompanied Mian Muhammad Mansha visited various sections of Pakistan Railways Headquarters.
The Nishat Group chairman was shown the newly established conference and monitoring facility serving as a central hub for operational oversight and strategic coordination.
He was also taken to the recently established Business Facilitation Centre at Pakistan Railways Headquarters, which provides a dedicated platform for the business community. The centre offers one-window facilitation for investors, freight customers and commercial partners, helping them obtain information and coordination regarding commercial and partnership opportunities in Pakistan Railways.
Mian Muhammad Mansha appreciated the efforts of the minister and said that under his leadership Pakistan Railways is moving forward on the path of growth and development.
He encouraged investors and members of the business community to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan Railways, noting that it is the right time to invest as the organization is progressing and opening new avenues for partnership.
Mansha also reaffirmed his commitment to invest in Pakistan Railways and assured the federal minister that the Nishat Group would explore concrete opportunities for collaboration with the department.
He expressed confidence that such partnerships would not only strengthen the revenue base of Pakistan Railways but would also contribute positively to the national economy.
The meeting concluded with a shared understanding on the importance of stronger public-private collaboration to unlock the full potential of Pakistan Railways and position it as a modern, efficient and investor-friendly national transport institution.