Latest news with #HanifAbbasi
Business Recorder
07-08-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
Narowal train: Minister urged to take notice of delays
LAHORE: Passengers travelling on the 211-Up Narowal passenger train have called on Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi to take notice of the train's consistent delays ranging from two to two-and-a-half hours daily. Commuters expressed frustration over the inconvenience caused by the train's late departure from Lahore, particularly in the current spell of extreme heat and humidity. They said the prolonged waiting time at the station causes severe mental and physical distress. Passengers demanded that the railway authorities ensure the train departs from Lahore for Narowal at its scheduled time of 7:15 AM, as it used to operate punctually in the past. They urged the ministry to intervene and restore the train's schedule in the interest of public convenience. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
05-08-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Mafias encroach upon 7.7pc of land of railways, NA told
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly was informed on Monday that Pakistan Railways oversees a land bank of approximately 168,858 acres nationwide, of which about 7.7 percent – or roughly 13,122 acres – is currently under the grab of powerful land mafias. In a written reply to questions asked by the lawmakers, Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi said the ministry has ramped up a nationwide anti-encroachment drive in coordination with provincial governments. He said that provincial inspectors general and chief secretaries have been asked to provide logistical and enforcement support, including police deployment. The minister said that notices are being issued with a 14-day window for occupants to vacate encroached lands, adding so far, 2,552 acres have been reclaimed between 2020 and 2025. To bolster oversight, the Pakistan Railways Land Management and Information System (PRLMIS) has been implemented with digitizing and geo-referencing land records while integrating them with provincial databases. The platform is accessible via mobile application, enabling real-time monitoring and administrative tracking, he added. Abbasi said that the ministry is also taking steps to regularise unauthorised government use of railway land by issuing leases under updated land-use policies. 'Commercial encroachments are being addressed through a remedial leasing program, which includes upfront premiums and settlement of arrears,' he added. According to the minister, between 2020 and June 2025, Pakistan Railways registered 5,182 encroachment cases, achieving a prosecution (challan) rate of 99.58 percent and a conviction rate of 96.71 percent. Of the 5,611 individuals accused, nearly all were from the general public, with only 20 remaining at large. The minister also told the House that Pakistan Railways has generated Rs13.93 billion in revenue from leasing and licensing its land holdings over the past three fiscal years – 2022-23 to 2024-25. In written reply submitted to the House, Abbasi said the state-run Pakistan Railways collected Rs2.631 billion in financial year 2022-23, Rs4.933 billion in 2023-24 and Rs6.366 billion in financial year 2024-25. In a separate written reply, Minister for Water Resources Muhammad Moeen Wattoo briefed the House about the progress of the Diamer Basha Dam project, a multi-phase infrastructure initiative estimated to cost Rs2.079 trillion. The project is divided into three primary components: Rs480 billion for the dam's civil works and hydro-mechanical systems; Rs1.42 trillion for power generation infrastructure; and Rs174.7 billion allocated to ancillary developments. However, in the current fiscal year (2025–26), only Rs25 billion has been allocated to the dam portion— far short of the Rs. 94 billion required. Wattoo also reported that 48 dam projects have been completed with federal funding over the past three years, providing a combined storage capacity of approximately 337,000 acre-feet and enabling irrigation for nearly 285,000 acres of newly cultivated land. Provincial governments, he said, have independently completed an additional 118 dam projects under their respective Annual Development Programs. The federal government is presently sponsoring 18 more dam initiatives at various stages of construction, with a combined cost exceeding Rs1.036 trillion. Once completed, these dams are expected to store over 8.2 million acre-feet of water and bring more than 346,000 acres under cultivation. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
02-08-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
PML-N's leadership
Whenever the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has come into power, it has inherited a nation mired in deep crises. Yet, history reflects that the party's leadership, through steadfast determination and pragmatic governance, has repeatedly steered the country out of turmoil. Whether under the leadership of Mian Nawaz Sharif—a three-time Prime Minister—or Shahbaz Sharif, who has served both as Punjab Chief Minister and now as Prime Minister for the second time, the party has consistently faced complex challenges head-on. Hamza Shahbaz's brief tenure as Punjab Chief Minister and the current leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also reflect this continuity of resolve. Despite internal and external pressures, the PML-N leadership has never resorted to escapism; rather, it has sought solutions grounded in policy, diplomacy, and strong governance. This resilience, perhaps, is a testament to divine favour and the party's unwavering commitment to national service. Nawaz Sharif, guided by a long-term vision, rescued the nation from crises on multiple occasions and laid the foundation for both economic and defence strength. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, following in his brother's footsteps, averted national bankruptcy and stabilized Pakistan's economy. His most notable achievement came during Pakistan's recent conflict with India, where the country emerged victorious in what is now being recognized as a historic win. This strategic success will be remembered by future generations and remains a defining chapter of Shahbaz Sharif's tenure. The operational credit for this military success goes to Chief Field Marshal General Asim Munir, while Pakistan's strong diplomatic posture during the crisis is attributed to Senator Ishaq Dar's effective international engagement. Speaking at the inauguration of the Pak Business Express Train in Lahore, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif proudly recalled the nation's triumph in Operation Buny?n Mars?s and the Battle for Truth. He highlighted the valour of Pakistan's armed forces, who neutralized a much larger adversary in just five hours, combining bravery, skill, and cutting-edge technology. At the same event, the Prime Minister commended Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, along with the Chairman and CEO of Pakistan Railways, for achieving record-breaking revenue of PKR 93 billion in one year—arguably the highest in the institution's history. Hanif Abbasi, a seasoned political worker known for his dedication to public service, has revived Pakistan Railways with commendable efficiency. Adding to the momentum of infrastructural progress, Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz has announced plans to launch Pakistan's first high-speed bullet train from Lahore to Rawalpindi. She has assigned this key task to Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, who has already conducted meetings with Hanif Abbasi and senior railway officials. Under her guidance, a formal working group has been established, comprising Punjab's Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan, Chief Minister's Adviser Shahid Tarar, and senior railway leadership. If the PML-N government successfully executes this project within the next three years, it could become a hallmark achievement that strengthens the party's position in the upcoming general elections. The proposed bullet train is expected to reduce travel time between Lahore and Rawalpindi to just 2 to 2.5 hours—a major step forward in public transport modernization. Historically, when the PML-N is in power, Pakistan becomes economically and militarily stronger, and the standard of living for its citizens improves. Although the first year of the current term has been filled with challenges, signs of rapid progress are now clearly visible. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has launched several relief projects, while Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is setting new benchmarks in public service delivery across Punjab. In terms of government communication, Federal Minister for Information Atta Tarar and Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari have taken the lead in effectively representing the party and its achievements. The current PML-N media team is professional, responsible, and focused on performance rather than personal attacks. Unlike some past spokespersons who engaged in character assassination, today's representatives speak thoughtfully, highlighting the government's initiatives with clarity and purpose. This professionalism is a testament to the leadership of Nawaz Sharif, who made the wise decision to appoint Atta Tarar and Azma Bukhari as the party's official voices. Their ability to communicate policy, engage media constructively, and provide detailed briefings on government performance underscores their value to both the party and the public. Their media-friendly approach further enhances the government's public image, making them ideal emissaries of a leadership that is serious about governance, progress, and public welfare. In conclusion, as Pakistan continues to recover from its past crises, the PML-N leadership stands as a proven force for stability, development, and national pride. Whether through military strategy, diplomatic wins, economic revival, or infrastructure development, the party remains committed to building a stronger, more prosperous Pakistan. (The views expressed in this article are not necessarily those of the newspaper) Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
29-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
PM inaugurates ‘Pak Business Express' train
LAHORE: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reaffirmed his government's commitment to transforming Pakistan Railways into a modern, reliable, and affordable transport system for all citizens, not just the elite. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Pak Business Express and the newly-upgraded passenger facilitation centre at the Lahore Railway Station, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the station's recent improvements during his visit after a long gap. 'From a warm welcome to well-mannered receptionists, renovated CIP lounges, upgraded passenger waiting rooms, and a fully refurbished train with modern European-style dining and sleeper berths, the change is truly gratifying,' he said. He lauded the digitization of the ticketing system, the availability of Wi-Fi facilities, and the outsourcing of services to improve professionalism and efficiency. 'These services are for the common masses, not just a privileged class. This is a step towards turning railways into a best-in-class transportation system for both passengers and cargo freight,' PM Shehbaz remarked. The Prime Minister commended Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, Secretary and Chairman Railways, and the team for their contributions, also acknowledging former minister Khawaja Muhammad Saad Rafique's '16 months of dedicated service to the railways department.' Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to ensure punctuality and transparent outsourcing of railway assets to make them profitable. He emphasized expanding the transformation across the national network, 'from Peshawar to Karachi, Rohri, and Quetta,' aiming to match global standards. He further said, 'The Almighty guides and supports every sincere effort. This is just the first step; we must struggle with dedication and transparency to serve the people of Pakistan.' The newly-launched Pak Business Express will run between Lahore and Karachi in 18 hours and 30 minutes, with economy-class fares set at Rs 5,100. In his address, PM Shehbaz also paid tribute to Pakistan's Armed Forces for their role in the recent four-day war with India, calling it 'short but highly dangerous.' He praised the military's conventional capabilities, including the Air Force's innovations, the Army's use of Al Fatah missiles, and the Navy's readiness. 'India believed Pakistan could only rely on nuclear deterrence, but conventional warfare supremacy has shattered that myth,' he said. Concluding the ceremony, the Prime Minister reiterated his pledge to make Pakistan Railways a modern, transparent, and people-focused institution. 'Together we can make railways a true engine of progress for Pakistan,' he said. Minister Hanif Abbasi thanked the Prime Minister for his leadership, crediting him with backing railways' digitization, service outsourcing, and the introduction of a cashless payment system. He noted the department had earned Rs 93 billion, installed escalators for differently-abled passengers, and improved cleanliness and punctuality. Abbasi also praised the Prime Minister's role during the recent conflict with India, saying his 'direct calls and strong foreign policy' pushed India onto the defensive while rallying international support for Pakistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Arab News
29-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan launches digital payment services at train stations in modernization push
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi on Tuesday announced the launch of digital payment services at several train stations across the country, marking a significant milestone in the department's modernization efforts. The announcement follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Pakistan Railways and Allied Bank Limited in June to launch Point of Sale (POS) systems at 348 railway stations across the country. The installation of POS systems aims to modernize ticketing, simplify payment procedures and improve financial transparency within the railways department, according to Abbasi. "POS machines have started their work at some stations," he told reporters at the ceremony in Lahore. "God willing, we will be installing ATM machines and POS systems in 348 stations." Train passengers will now be able to purchase tickets and access other railway services using debit and credit cards, according to the minister. The POS systems are expected to enable faster and more efficient transactions, eliminating long queues and manual procedures. The initiative will also help Pakistan Railways boost revenue while curbing financial fraud, theft and accounting errors. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended the ceremony as the chief guest and praised the efforts of both the current and former management of the railways department. In 2024, Pakistan Railways achieved a 40% revenue increase to Rs88 billion, according to Pakistani state media. The department added 229 new wagons, introduced 10 new trains, and enhanced passenger services with increased coach capacity and premium lounge dining cars. Alongside the latest initiative, Abbasi said, the department would also ensure improved inspection and stronger staff presence.
