Shehbaz Sharif says efforts should focus on improving railway system to increase revenue
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meets Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi in Islamabad. PHOTO: PMO
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the government is avoiding imposing 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, and the minister briefed the prime minister on operational matters.
Abbasi stated that “in view of the situation in the Gulf and to facilitate the public, fares of all operational trains across the country will not be increased.”
Chief Minister Shehbaz said that “in the current economic conditions, the government is avoiding imposing additional burden on the public” and emphasized that efforts should focus on improving the railway system to increase revenue.
He further ordered that “reform measures be accelerated to transform Pakistan Railways into a modern, safe and reliable transportation system.”
Reaffirming the government’s priorities, the prime minister said he “remains committed to the public welfare agenda” and aims to improve institutional performance to put the country on the path of development, the statement said.
He further directed the Railway Minister to “ensure timely completion of ongoing projects” and utilize all available resources to provide “better, safer and affordable travel facilities to the public”, it added.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz ordered Pakistan Railways to freeze fares despite rising diesel costs. The government will take on an additional Rs 6 billion until June 30 to keep travel affordable and transportation costs stable.
According to a Pakistan Railways spokesperson, the government decided to absorb the impact of rising diesel prices itself “after a 30 per cent fare hike was deemed inevitable to cover operational expenses.”
Last week, the government further increased petrol prices by Rs 137 per liter to a record Rs 458.4. It was the second major increase in fuel prices in less than a month. However, on Friday, Chief Minister Shehbaz announced a reduction of Rs 80 per liter in petrol tax.
It was the second major hike in fuel prices in less than a month after Chief Minister Shehbaz increased diesel and petrol prices by Rs 55 per liter last month. The accumulated increase in the price of gasoline in one month stands at 63%, and that of high-speed diesel at 75%.
