ISLAMABAD, Jan 15 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on Thursday appreciating the effective performance shown by Pakistan Railways despite limited resources, said that a series of revolutionary measures initiated by the government for the institution’s uplift were yielding satisfactory outcomes.
The prime minister, chairing a consultative meeting with private sector experts to enhance the effectiveness of Pakistan Railways, appreciated the railways minister and his team, saying that the revolutionary measures to further enhance institutional and administrative efficiency in Pakistan Railways had been inevitable for decades.
He said that the consultation with private sector experts was part of the government’s economic reforms for overall economic development, industrial and commercial growth, and improvement in other sectors.
He viewed that the Railways could help promote national industry and trade and facilitate investors if made profitable consequent to the ongoing reforms.
He asked the Pakistan Railways to present a practical roadmap containing actionable steps next week, after meaningful consultation with all relevant units and institutions.
Expressing regret over the non-provision of government funds for development works related to Pakistan Railways for decades, he said in next year’s PSDP proportionate budget would be allocated for its projects.
He stressed the need for steps to make Pakistan Railways a part of an international-standard commercial communication system, owing to its valuable role in economic development and increasing national income.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also called for reviewing the possibilities of private partnerships for the profitable commercial use of the railway structure and preparing a comprehensive strategy for the profitable and commercial use of its resources.
The prime minister highlighted the importance of the quality performance of railways for the country’s overall economic development, regional industrial and trade cooperation, and public convenience.
The representatives of the private sector experts presented various recommendations to make railways’ performance more effective and for its commercial use.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar, Musadiq Malik, and Ahad Khan Cheema, Special Assistant to PM Haroon Akhtar, National Coordinator SIFC Lieutenant General (Retd) Sarfraz Ahmed, secretaries of relevant ministries, and other government officials, as well as private sector experts including Zaid Bashir, Pir Saad Ehsanuddin, and others.