PM Emphasizes Private Sector Collaboration for Efficient Railway System
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has highlighted the crucial role of Pakistan Railways reforms in boosting the country’s economy and national income. Speaking at a consultative meeting with private sector experts, the Prime Minister emphasized that a modern and efficient railway system can significantly support industrial growth, regional trade, and public convenience.
Despite limited resources and economic challenges, PM Shehbaz praised the entire Pakistan Railways team for their performance and efforts. He said, “Consultation with private sector experts is part of our broader economic reform agenda. A high-standard railway system can play a vital role in driving national income and industrial development.”
The Prime Minister instructed Pakistan Railways to present a practical roadmap next week, following consultations with all relevant institutions. He stressed that exploring private partnerships for commercial use of railway infrastructure is essential for sustainable growth. PM Shehbaz added that institutional and administrative reforms have been long overdue and are now critical to enhancing efficiency.
Private sector experts at the meeting offered valuable recommendations to further strengthen Pakistan Railways’ operational performance and commercial potential. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude for their input and reiterated the government’s commitment to making Pakistan Railways a global-standard commercial transport system.
Acknowledging the historical neglect of funding for railway development, PM Shehbaz assured that the upcoming Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) would allocate a proportionate budget for railway projects next year. He noted that these reforms not only improve domestic transport but also play a pivotal role in regional trade and cooperation.
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The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Climate Change Minister Musadiq Malik, Economic Affairs Minister Ahsan Khan Cheema, PM’s Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, National Coordinator Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Sarfraz Ahmed, secretaries of relevant ministries, and private sector experts including Zaid Bashir and Pir Saad Ehsanuddin.
