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Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Railways posts Rs83b revenue
Listen to article Pakistan Railways has announced earning a record-breaking Rs83 billion in revenue during the first eleven months of the current financial year FY25, showing a growth of 7.8% over the corresponding period. According to the Railways spokesperson, this is the highest revenue collected by the organisation in any similar eleven-month period in its history. Federal Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi hailed the achievement as historic, stating that "through hard work and dedication, we will put Railways back on its feet." The revenue breakdown shows passenger trains contributed Rs42 billion, while freight services generated Rs29 billion. Other income sources, including property leases and commercial activities, added Rs12 billion. Regional performance varied significantly, with Karachi Division emerging as the top performer — earning Rs13 billion from passengers and a substantial Rs25 billion from freight. Lahore Division reported Rs10 billion from passengers but less than Rs1 billion from freight. Both Rawalpindi and Multan Divisions earned Rs4 billion each from passengers, totalling Rs8 billion combined. This performance represents a notable improvement over the same period last year, when revenue stood at Rs77 billion. The current figures suggest Pakistan Railways might surpass its full-year target of Rs88 billion with one month remaining. This financial milestone comes against a backdrop of persistent challenges. For years, Pakistan Railways has struggled with aging infrastructure, frequent service disruptions, and safety concerns that have eroded public confidence. Many mainline tracks and bridges date back to the British colonial era, causing speed restrictions and delays. The organisation still operates at a significant operational loss when accounting for full infrastructure maintenance costs, despite this revenue increase. While the Rs83 billion revenue demonstrates progress in financial management and operational efficiency, industry analysts said this represents recovery rather than transformation. Sustained investment in infrastructure modernisation, consistent service quality, and resolution of long-standing debt issues are still needed before Pakistan Railways can be considered fully revitalised. "The revenue achievement offers hope, but the organisation's journey to becoming a truly modern, reliable, and profitable national transport service has just begun," they added.
Business Recorder
01-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Dry port will be outsourced to Chamber: Railways, ICCI sign agreement
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways (PR) and Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) have signed an agreement, under which the dry port of Railways will be outsourced to the Chamber. Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi during a meeting with the delegation ICCI, here on Wednesday, said that the purpose of this agreement is not only to create business development opportunities but also to contribute to the national revenue. The minister and the ICCI delegation during the meeting discussed various initiatives for the development and modernisation of Pakistan Railways. The minister was briefed by the Divisional Superintendent Rawalpindi regarding the assets of the Railways in Rawalpindi, and highlighted various strategic initiatives aimed at the growth and modernisation of Pakistan Railways. Minister for Railways Abbasi has approved the Freight Train project, which will reduce the delivery time for goods between Karachi and Rawalpindi to less than four days. This initiative aims to alleviate the growing burden on roads and provide better transportation facilities for the public. Abbasi stated, 'In just 1.5 years, we have achieved what was not done in the last 20 years. We are utilising our resources in the best possible way to guide Pakistan Railways towards a new and powerful path.' The Freight Train project will not only increase Pakistan Railways' revenue but will also accelerate the country's economic growth. Furthermore, Minister for Railways announced that roadshows will be held across all divisions of Pakistan Railways. He has instructed all Divisional Superintendents to meet with their respective Chambers of Commerce to establish strong collaborations and work together for mutual benefit. 'Together, we will enhance the future of Pakistan Railways and open new doors for partnerships.' Additionally, Abbasi announced a contract for the cleaning of three stations in Rawalpindi with RWMC at affordable rates. He emphasised, 'Cleanliness is half of faith, and providing the best travel facilities to our passengers is our primary duty.' He stated, 'We are building a legacy here that will be a valuable gift for future generations.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hindustan Times
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Pakistan's nuke bravado is a farce, fears India's Pahalgam retaliation will be deadlier than Balakot
In this episode of Hindustan Times' Point Blank, Executive Editor Shishir Gupta decodes the panic that has gripped the South Asian nation of Pakistan after its involvement in a deadly terror attack on India's Pahalagam. This comes as Pakistani Minister for Railways, Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, issued a direct 'nuclear' threat to India. Meanwhile, Bilawal Bhutto declared, 'I want to tell India that the Indus is ours and will remain ours. Either our water will flow through it, or their blood will.' Shishir Gupta argues that the comments of the two ministers is proof that Pakistan is scared of India's retaliation for the Pahalgam massacre. He reveals how India has evolved militarily since the Balakot strike in 2019. He explains why India can make a big dent on Pakistan with its strikes and also has air defence systems that can easily neutralise any Pakistani missile. Watch this video for all the details.
Hindustan Times
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Pakistan minister's nuclear attack threat at India while his people panic over Pahalgam revenge
Pakistani Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi issued a direct threat to India, underscoring Pakistan's nuclear capabilities. Speaking in Rawalpindi, Abbasi emphasized that Pakistan's 130 nuclear weapons are not mere "models" but powerful deterrents aimed directly at India.
Express Tribune
22-04-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
RIC expansion project launched
In the wake of increasing number of patients and their attendants at the Outpatient Department (OPD) of the Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology (RIC), Federal Minister for Railways, Muhammad Hanif Abbasi on Tuesday laid the foundation stone of a new OPD block, an additional waiting area, a parking zone, and a facilitation centre. The total cost of the project is estimated at Rs400 million. Speaking to the media during the foundation stone ceremony, the minister said that the RIC was inaugurated in 2013 and had benefited countless patients, including himself. "Presently, around 3,000 patients visit the OPD daily, and when attendants are included, the number rises to nearly 6,000," he said, adding the surge in footfall made the expansion — including the new OPD block, parking area, waiting lounge, and facilitation center — essential. Abbasi informed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had approved Rs400m in funding for the project, of which Rs250m has been released while the remaining Rs150m would be disbursed soon. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed by June 30 this year, significantly improving facilities for patients. Abbasi further revealed that kidney transplants would commence at Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI) in Rawalpindi this September. Speaking further, the minister emphasised the urgent need for clean water, improved food quality, and the complete eradication of encroachments. He informed that the Food Authority had begun conducting raids to ensure the provision of clean water and hygienic food in the railway system. "The same anti-encroachment model being implemented in Punjab is now being applied in the railways." "All eight divisional superintendents of the Pakistan Railways have been instructed to ensure that not even an inch of government land remains encroached upon," Abbasi said, adding Punjab's senior minister Maryam Aurangzeb was providing strong support in this effort.
