ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi has said that Pakistan Railways (PR) is committed to a phase-wise restoration of the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) train service by December 31 and called for strengthening regional connectivity with countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Abbasi said this while addressing the business community at the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) on Tuesday. He said that Pakistan has come out of the difficult time as the government has employed policies to achieve economic revival.
He informed the participants that a USD2 billion loan from the Asian Development Bank has been approved for a 500-km track from Rohri to Karachi, with groundbreaking expected by June/ July the next year. Additionally, the new and upgraded 884-km track from Nokundi to Rohri will be funded by a mineral company through bridge financing. He also mentioned a plan for a 2.5-hour train journey between Lahore and Rawalpindi, approved by the Punjab Cabinet and awaiting Federal Government approval, by employing the best rail services and tracks.
He stressed the importance of leveraging these improved links for trade. To facilitate this, Pakistan Railways aims to provide transport by year-end, urging the business community to capitalise on these new opportunities”, he said. He also underlined the country’s economic challenges, acknowledging high taxes, interest rates, energy costs, and gas prices as barriers to investment and exports.
“The government is committed to resolving these issues to boost the economy, which currently sees USD32 billion in exports, with USD 18 billion from textiles, despite 150 textile units having closed”, he said. Abbasi advocated for fostering an environment where businesses can enhance, adding that increased exports would drive the success of new freight train services.
He announced that soon, the government would announce more business-friendly policies to push the investments in the country and highlighted the significant progress within Pakistan Railways over the past eight months, describing it as a revolution.
He underlined major improvements, including the digitalisation of 54 railway stations, widespread provision of Wi-Fi for passengers, and enhanced amenities across the network. He highlighted that Rawalpindi Railway Station now boasts a modern 184-camera security system, making it the second most advanced in Pakistan after Islamabad Airport, with ‘smart and safe’ facilities. These facilities will be introduced in Karachi and Lahore, too.
Moreover, the minister underscored the government’s aggressive outsourcing initiatives for schools, hospitals, and train operations to generate revenue and improve services. “As many as six of 12 schools have already been outsourced and these are expected to generate Rs2 billion annually instead of costing 80 million as debiting cost. Hospitals and many train services are the next in line”, he said.
The minister expressed confidence in upgrading the country’s old track infrastructure, some dating back to 1861-1871. The minister emphasised that the government is fully aware of economic issues and is working day and night to create conducive environment for business. “Pakistan’s survival hinges on economic turnaround and national unity”, he said. He assured the traders to take up their issues at the highest government level.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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