ISLAMABAD: The US Chargé d’Affaires, Natalie Baker, paid a special visit to the historic Golra Railway Station and Railway Museum on Sunday.
She was accompanied by senior officials from the US Embassy. Federal Minister for Railways, Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, warmly received the distinguished guest and briefed her during a detailed tour of the station, the Quaid-e-Azam Saloon, and the Railway Heritage Museum.
The minister informed Baker about the historical, cultural, and architectural significance of Golra Station, established in 1882 during the British Raj as a key junction connecting Peshawar, Quetta, and Karachi through railways. He explained that the station’s colonial architecture, stone masonry, and robust structure stand as remarkable examples of 19th-century railway engineering.
Abbasi noted that Golra Station is not only among the oldest and most picturesque railway stations in the subcontinent but also symbolizes Pakistan’s cultural heritage and historical continuity. He added that Pakistan Railways is upgrading this historic site along modern lines to transform it into a hub of heritage preservation and tourism promotion.
During the visit, Baker took a keen interest in the 19th and 20th-century American-built locomotives and railway equipment displayed at the museum. She remarked that these rare artifacts represent a beautiful legacy of technical cooperation and historical ties between Pakistan and the United States.
Federal Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi briefed the visiting dignitary on the reforms, modernisation, and digital transformation initiatives introduced under his tenure. He highlighted that the railway stations in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Faisalabad have been fully digitized and upgraded with modern facilities. He further mentioned that Pakistan Railways has established its first-ever “Safe and Smart Railway Station” in Rawalpindi, equipped with advanced security, monitoring, and passenger service systems.
Baker appreciated the Minister’s vision, leadership, and reform agenda, describing Muhammad Hanif Abbasi as a true “Railway Reformist” who is modernizing Pakistan Railways on contemporary lines. She said that the historical beauty, cultural appeal, and heritage of Golra Station reflect Pakistan’s glorious past and progressive future.
On this occasion, Muhammad Hanif Abbasi stated that Pakistan Railways is not only a national asset but also a symbol of cultural heritage, tourism, and international connectivity. He reiterated the government’s commitment to aligning the railway system with modern requirements while simultaneously preserving its rich historical legacy.
At the conclusion of the visit, Baker praised the architectural elegance, heritage value, and efficient management of the Golra Railway Museum, terming the experience memorable and inspiring.
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