Shehbaz Sharif says efforts should focus on improving the railway system to increase revenue
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif holds meeting with Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi in Islamabad. PHOTO: PMO
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the government is avoiding putting additional financial burden on the public in a meeting with Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi in Islamabad on Monday, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
The statement said the two discussed the overall performance of Pakistan Railways, ongoing reforms and future projects, with the minister briefing the prime minister on operational issues.
Abbasi stated that “in view of the situation in the Gulf and for the convenience of the public, no increase is being made in the fares of all operational trains throughout the country”.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said that “in the current economic conditions, the government avoids putting an additional burden on the public” and stressed that efforts should focus on improving the railway system to increase revenue.
He further directed that “reform measures must be expedited to transform Pakistan Railways into a modern, safe and reliable transport system”.
Reaffirming the government’s priorities, the prime minister said it “remains committed to the public welfare agenda” and aims to improve institutional performance to put the country on a development path, according to the statement.
He further directed the railway minister to “ensure timely completion of ongoing projects” and to use all available resources to provide “better, safer and affordable travel facilities to the public”, he added.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz asked Pakistan Railways to freeze fares despite rising diesel costs. The government must pay an additional Rs6 billion until June 30 to keep travel affordable and freight rates stable.
According to a Pakistan Railways spokesman, the government chose to absorb the impact of rising diesel prices itself “after a 30 percent price increase was deemed unavoidable to cover operating expenses”.
Last week, the government further hiked petrol prices by Rs137 per liter to a record high of Rs458.4. It was the second major increase in fuel prices in less than a month. But on Friday, Prime Minister Shehbaz announced a reduction of Rs80 per liter in oil tax on petrol.
It was the second major hike in fuel prices in less than a month after PM Shehbaz hiked diesel and petrol prices by Rs55 per liter last month. The cumulative increase in the price of petrol within a month is 63% and that of high-speed diesel 75%.
