Latest news with #HanifAbbasi
Express Tribune
an hour ago
- General
- Express Tribune
Railways beefs up train security
Railway Police stand guard outside the Royal Palm Golf and Country Club which was taken over by PR on Friday, PHOTO: ONLINE Pakistan Railways Police has issued instructions to all superintendent of police (SP) railways to tighten security in trains as well as at stations to avoid any untoward incident during Eidul Azha days. On the direction of Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, the department had directed all SPs Railways to depute sufficient force at exit and entry points of all railway stations and strict watch to be carried out of suspicious persons, an official in the Ministry told APP. Pakistan Railways Police Commando Force would be deputed at vulnerable installations and in trains, while bomb disposal staff would also be kept on alert for search of luggage and passengers at railway stations.
Arab News
6 hours ago
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan, Uzbekistan to devise joint strategy for completion of UAP rail connectivity project
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Uzbekistan have agreed to formulate a joint strategy for the completion of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) railway project, Pakistani state media reported, amid Islamabad's efforts to open new regional trade avenues. The development followed a meeting between Pakistan's Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi and Uzbek Ambassador to Islamabad, during which the two figures held detailed discussions on the approximately 850-kilometer-long railway connectivity project, which includes a 647-kilometer rail track passing through Afghanistan. The trilateral initiative was launched in 2021 to enhance regional connectivity by linking Central Asia with Pakistan's southern ports of Gwadar and Karachi through Afghanistan. The project aims to improve trade access for landlocked countries and strengthen economic integration across the region. 'Upon completion of this project, Pakistan will gain the shortest and most efficient route to Central Asia, which will not only increase trade volumes but also strengthen the region's economy on a solid footing,' Abbasi was quoted as saying by the APP news agency. 'This railway corridor will significantly reduce transit time and transportation costs, benefiting all stakeholders.' Pakistan is seeking to leverage its strategic position as a key trade and transit hub to connect Central Asia with global markets and since last year, there has been a flurry of high-level visits, investment discussions and other economic engagements between Islamabad and Central Asian republics. Abbasi highlighted that the corridor is expected to handle an annual freight capacity of 15 million tons, which could help boost exports and imports across the region, according to the report. 'This project will not only reinforce economic ties but will also play a pivotal role in promoting regional peace and stability,' he said. On the occasion, Ambassador Tukhtaev acknowledged investment opportunities in Pakistan's railway sector and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to foster economic prosperity and create employment for both peoples, according to the APP report. Both officials also acknowledged the positive impact of the UAP project in promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan. Last week, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also held a phone call with his Uzbek counterpart, Saidov Bakhtiyor Odilovich, to discuss steps to advance the UAP railway project, including the framework agreement and its signing mechanism. Over the years, the project has faced significant challenges, including security concerns in Afghanistan, and the need to reconcile differing railway gauges across the three countries. 'Emphasizing the importance of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Line Project for regional connectivity, both leaders agreed to work closely for an early finalization of the framework agreement,' the Pakistani foreign office said.
Arab News
21 hours ago
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan Railways offers major discount in train fares on Eid Al-Adha
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways has announced a major discount in train fares during three days of Eid Al-Adha besides running five special trains ahead of the festival, Pakistani state media reported on Monday, citing the railways minister. Eid Al-Adha is one of the two most important festivals of the Islamic calendar. Muslims mark the festival by slaughtering animals such as sheep and goats, and sharing their meat among family, friends and the poor. The Pakistani government has announced a four-day holiday on Eid Al-Adha from June 6 till June 9, and hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis will be traveling to their hometowns to celebrate the occasion among their loved ones. 'Pakistan Railways will… offer a 20 percent discount on fares during the three days of Eid-ul-Azha,' the Pakistan Television (PTV) reported on Monday, citing Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi. The announcement came hours after the first Eid special train left the southern port city of Karachi for Lahore on Monday. The second train will leave Quetta for Peshawar at 10am today, Tuesday, while the third will leave from Lahore to Karachi via Multan at 5pm. The fourth train will depart from Karachi to Rawalpindi at 8pm on Tuesday, while the last special train will leave Karachi for Lahore at 8pm on June 4. Abbasi shared that the department's revenue had reached Rs83 billion ($294 million) due to improved operations over the last four months, according to the broadcaster. He said a new passenger train will operate between Punjab's Lahore and Narowal district, starting June 15.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pakistan Railways announces fares discount for Eidul Azha
Listen to article The federal government has announced a significant discount on train fares for the three days of Eidul Azha, as part of its efforts to facilitate travel during the festive season, Express News reported. Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi confirmed the development in a media briefing on Monday, stating that five special trains would be operated for Eidul Azha. "The special trains will be operational for the duration of the holiday to ease transportation for people travelling to their hometowns for the occasion," he said. He also assured that agreements made with the media would be fully honoured. Highlighting the achievements of the Pakistan Railways, Abbasi mentioned that the department had achieved significant milestones in its 77-year history, particularly over the past 11 months. "The performance of Pakistan Railways has been outstanding," he added. Furthermore, Abbasi revealed that Pakistan Railways was generating revenue through its leased properties. "In line with the Prime Minister's vision, Royal Palm will be outsourced, with transparency in the bidding process, and bids will be opened in full public view," the minister stated. Abbasi also announced a Rs1 billion budget allocation for the eight railway hospitals. He stated that efforts were underway to outsource these hospitals, but promised that medical services for railway employees would remain free of charge.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan Express derails near Mubarakpur
Listen to article Two bogies of the Karachi-to-Rawalpindi-bound 45-Up Pakistan Express derailed in Bahwalpur district of Punjab early Saturday morning, resulting in the temporary closure of both up and down railway tracks, railway sources confirmed, Express News reported. The derailment occurred at 6:05 AM when the AC Standard bogie — the fourth from the rear — came off the track entirely near Mubarakpur Station. The attached dining car was also affected in the incident. No injuries or fatalities have been reported. A relief train was promptly dispatched from Sama Satta, and rescue efforts are in full swing to clear the track and resume services. Railway officials and emergency teams are on-site, with authorities prioritising passenger safety and the swift restoration of operations. Furthermore, the CEO of Pakistan Railways has sought comprehensive details of railway bridges across the country following the recent collapse of the Khanewal Railway Station bridge. In a communiqué dispatched to all divisional superintendents, the Pakistan Railways administration directed them to provide complete information about the bridges within their respective divisions. The data will be used to initiate a countrywide bridge upgradation programme. Special Eid trains to ease holiday rush On the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan Railways has decided to run five special trains on the occasion of Eidul Azha. Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi has approved the schedule for these special trains, which will run across major cities. According to a PR spokesperson, the first Eid special train will depart from Karachi for Lahore on June 2 at 1:00 pm. The second train will operate from Quetta to Peshawar on June 3 at 10:00 am. On the same day, a third special train will depart from Lahore for Karachi at 5:00 pm. Later that evening, a fourth train will set off from Karachi for Rawalpindi at 8:00 pm, while the fifth and final Eid special train will depart from Karachi Cantt on June 4 at 5:30 pm.
