Railways and Aviation Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique announced on Monday that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) restructuring is being considered and discussed with international consultants. The restructuring roadmap is expected to be provided in a few months, and its implementation will begin shortly after.
The minister also announced that two major trains, the Karakoram Express and the Karachi Express, will be upgraded by June 30 this year. He revealed during a news conference that the trains would be upgraded on the Green Line pattern, which will provide excellent traveling options to the passengers. Rafique added that the outsourcing process of three airports, namely Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, was underway and would be carried out through competitive bidding.
Rafique also discussed plans for special Eid and seasonal trains like Awam Express, Shalimar Express, and Bahauddin Zakaria Express to run during summers. In addition, the government is also planning to run a cargo train with a capacity to transport 12,500 tonnes of cargo, which will help earn significant revenue.
Rafique said that land owned by railways would be utilized for commercial purposes, with rules already framed and sent to the cabinet, awaiting approval.
Moreover, the minister revealed that preparations for introducing solar systems at stations, terminals, buildings, DS offices, and headquarters were underway to reduce electricity expenses.
The railways had also decided to reduce freight fares by 10-15 percent, and the Hirok bridge would be completed by April 15. The minister further stated that efforts were being made to make the Sibi-Harnai section operational before the end of the current fiscal year.
During the conference, Rafique also responded to some political questions. He defended Nawaz Sharif’s track record, saying that despite being in the opposition for 19 to 20 years, no corruption case was proved against him.
He referred to Imran Khan as “fascist” and said that he had nothing to do with democracy, calling him a “Sicilian mafia” and “not a leader,” but a “gangster.” He stressed the need to stop leveling dirty allegations against each other and that the parliament would only strengthen when all political parties set aside their differences for the larger national interest.
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