Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed to prepare a comprehensive and effective strategy immediately consisting of practical measures for organized management and profitable commercial use of Pakistan Railways (PR). He was presiding over a consultative meeting in Islamabad regarding reforms in Pakistan Railways. The Prime Minister asserted that taking revolutionary measures to make institutional and administrative performance in Pakistan Railways more effective has been long overdue.

He said ongoing reforms in Pakistan Railways and transforming it into a more profitable institution can enable it to play a vital role in promoting national industry, trade and facilitating investors.The Prime Minister said keeping in view the importance of Pakistan Railways, the government has initiated a series of revolutionary measures, which are now showing satisfactory results. He said a proportionate budget will be allocated for the development projects of Railways in next year's PSDP.

He termed taking steps to integrate Pakistan Railways into an internationally recognized, world-class commercial transport system as an urgent necessity of the time. He emphasized that a modern railway system could play a significant role in economic development and increasing national revenue.

Shehbaz Sharif directed to thoroughly examine the possibilities of profitable commercial use of the railway infrastructure through private partnerships. The Prime Minister said consultation with the experts of private sector on the overall development of the economy, industry, trade and other sectors is part of the government's economic reforms.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)