ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi has announced special trains and a discount of up to 20 percent for passengers during Eidul Fitr 2025.
Speaking to the media after taking charge of the railway ministry, he said four special Eid trains will run for the public. These trains will start operating from the 25th of Ramadan.
During Eid days, passengers will get relief of up to 20 percent on fares. He also said the safety of passengers and their belongings will be ensured.
The minister added that the government will follow the prime minister’s policies on privatizing trains. He pointed out that scanners at many stations are not working, which leads to smuggling and theft. To fix this, railway police will be improved, similar to how the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) was set up.
Hanif Abbasi said they aim to double cargo transport. He mentioned that issues in the railway system were discussed today, and security will be strengthened under the supervision of the Inspector General of Railway Police. Talks about the ML-1 project are ongoing with two or three countries, but the government has not yet finalized its steps.
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The federal minister stated that corruption will not be tolerated, and targets have been set for the department. His job is to give the ministry clear goals. He said a freight train connection will be made for cargo from Thar coal. An order for 245 coaches has been placed with China, and local coaches are also being built for locomotives.
The minister, a leader from the ruling party, said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif kept his promises. Foreign exchange reserves have risen from 4 billion dollars to 16 billion dollars. Inflation, which was at 38 percent, is now at 1.5 percent. He said they will only make promises to the public that can be fulfilled, and the results are visible today.
He further noted that the interest rate has dropped from 22 percent to 12 percent and is expected to reach single digits in the next six months.
Remittances are at 18 billion dollars, with a goal to increase them to 35 billion dollars. The prime minister will soon announce a construction package. The minister said small steps taken by the government will bring relief to the people.
