Sheikh Rasheed promises ‘jobs on merit’ in railways

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed said Pakistan Railways (PR) has vowed that 10,000 essential job posts would be filled on merit soon.

Talking to Media here on Friday, he said PR has the potential to generate maximum revenue which could contribute huge amounts to alleviate national debts.

He said that two new Express trains would be launched next week from Islamabad and Lahore on September 14, 15 respectively. He said PR would soon begin train service reaching Rawalpindi to Lahore in three and a half hours.

He said 60 per cent population inhabits along the railways tracks whereas all railways routes would be made environment friendly.

The minister said 660 passenger coaches were outdated which would be upgraded. “Wi-Fi and passenger tracking systems are going to be introduced in trains for public convenience and safety”, he said.

He said PR is going to sign coal agreement with Jamshoro Power Plant. He resented the freight rail performance and said it would be upgraded into one window operation within 15 days.

“Pakistan Railways’ success is nation’s success and it has dedicated officials who want to improve its performance and PR would soon give good news”, he remarked.