Latest news with #Shehbaz
Business Recorder
18 hours ago
- 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
Hindustan Times
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
On record: PM Modi humiliates Shehbaz with 'sindoor' taunt, 'Pak PM was swimming when India struck'
On record: PM Modi humiliates Shehbaz with 'sindoor' taunt, 'Pak PM was swimming when India struck'
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Trump's remarks on stopping Pakistan-India war 'reopen old wounds' for Modi: PM Shehbaz
Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that every time US President Donald Trump talks about stopping the Pakistan-India war, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'wounds are reopened'. "US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that we stopped the war. When the US president says that we stopped the Pakistan-India war, Modi's wounds are reopened," he said while inaugrating Pak Business Express and newly upgraded passenger facilities at the Lahore Railway Station. During his address, PM Shehbaz also paid tribute to Pakistan's Armed Forces for their resilience in the four-day conflict with India, which he described as 'short but highly dangerous.' He praised the military's technical superiority, the Air Force's internal innovations, and the Army's use of Al Fatah missiles. 'India believed Pakistan could only rely on nuclear deterrence, but conventional warfare supremacy has shattered that myth,' he said, reaffirming his commitment to the nation's security. He added that our nuclear assets are guarantors of national security, and the enemy does not dare to look at us with an evil eye. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses the inaugural ceremony of Pak Business Express at Lahore Railway Station. — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) July 29, 2025 Speaking during the ceremony, PM Shehbaz expressed satisfaction with the station's visible transformation. '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. The PM hailed the digitisation of the ticketing system, the introduction of Wi-Fi facilities, and the outsourcing of services to improve efficiency and professionalism. "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," he added. PM Shehbaz commended the Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, the Railways secretary, and chairman for their efforts, while also acknowledging the previous contributions of former minister Saad Rafique, highlighting his "16 months of dedicated service" to the Railways department. He further stressed the need for punctuality and transparent outsourcing of railway land and services, aiming to turn these assets into profitable ventures for the nation. He also underscored the importance of continuing the transformation of Pakistan Railways across the country, from Peshawar to Karachi, Rohri, and Quetta. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif visiting different sections of Pak-Business Express, newly inaugurated CIP Lounge, waiting halls and other facilities at Lahore Railway Station. — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) July 29, 2025 '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,' PM Shehbaz remarked. The PM concluded the ceremony with a pledge to transform Pakistan Railways into a modern, transparent, and people-centric institution. "Together we can make Railways a true engine of progress for Pakistan," he stated. Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi thanked the PM for his vision and leadership. He credited him for supporting the digitisation, outsourcing of services, and the introduction of a cashless payment system at railway stations. He also revealed that the Railways had earned Rs93 billion, installed escalators for differently-abled passengers, and improved cleanliness and punctuality across stations. The newly launched Pak Business Express will travel between Lahore and Karachi in 18 hours and 30 minutes, with an economy-class fare of Rs 5,100.
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
PM Shehbaz underscores digital economy push to enhance transparency, ease public access
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said that digitisation of the economy will help improve transparency and ensure public convenience without adding financial burden on citizens. Chairing a high-level meeting to review progress on the government's digital transformation and cashless economy agenda, the premier said the core objective of the digital transition plan is to offer efficient services to the public free of additional cost. 'The federal government is encouraging digital payments and electronic fund transfers through focused policy measures,' Sharif noted. PM Shehbaz approves formation of digital ecosystem in FBR He directed authorities to hold meaningful consultations with provincial governments to ensure effective and inclusive implementation of the digital transformation roadmap. The prime minister also instructed provincial administrations, including those of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, to fully cooperate with the federal government in advancing the digital and cashless economy agenda. With provincial support, he said, the government's digital initiatives could be accelerated to achieve key targets within the stipulated timelines. Sharif further called for institutionalising stakeholder engagement as a regular feature of the transformation process. PM Shehbaz lauds FBR reforms as tax filers jump to 7.2mn The briefing during the meeting highlighted that the National Digital Commission and Pakistan Digital Authority had been established, and necessary regulatory frameworks finalised. The process of appointing the chairperson and members of the authority is in its final stages. Officials also informed the meeting that the Merchant Onboarding Framework, a key component of the digital payments infrastructure, was formally launched on July 25, 2025. The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, the chief secretaries of all provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK, as well as senior federal officials.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PM condemns terrorist attack on civilians in Tirah
Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday condemned the killing of unarmed civilians and protesters in Bagh Maidan, Wadi Tirah, in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, calling it a 'heinous act' and reaffirming his government's resolve to eliminate terrorism. According to initial reports, at least five people were killed and over 17 injured in the attack. However, the K-P government has yet to confirm the figures. The Prime Minister's Office said in a statement that PM Shehbaz had ordered immediate medical aid for the injured and condemned the firing by terrorists — referred to as Khawarij — targeting peaceful citizens. Read More: PM orders special flights after overland travel ban on Arbaeen pilgrims 'The nefarious designs of terrorists cannot shake our resolve,' the PM stated, reiterating his commitment to seeing the fight against terrorism through to its logical conclusion. K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also expressed sorrow over the tragedy and announced financial compensation of Rs10 million for each victim's family and Rs2.5m for those injured. He has summoned a jirga of tribal elders and public representatives to Peshawar to hear their concerns and strengthen ties between the government and local communities. Gandapur also directed district officials to increase engagement with residents and maintain peace and order. He said jirgas would be held at divisional and provincial levels from next week to address public issues more effectively. Separately, the Inspector General Frontier Corps (North) visited the injured at the FC Brigade Hospital, while Major General Rao Imran Sartaj met survivors at the Frontier Corps Teaching Hospital. The injured recounted the incident and thanked the FC and army teams for the free and timely medical care.
