Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique on Sunday said that terrorists are meeting their logical end and with the grace of Allah Almighty, terrorism would be rooted out completely from the
country.
Talking to the media after inaugurating the rest places for porters at Lahore Railway Station, he said
peaceful and prosperous country would be given to the coming generations.
“We have to move forward and there is no need to be hopeless and level baseless allegations,” adding that hunger and ignorance is not the fate of the nation.
The minister said that as Railways has been improved with collective efforts, the country would also be uplifted by forging unity. He said that it would have been good if today, some people had talked about the progress and development of the country instead of crying and moaning.
He said that a decision has been taken that red coloured dress of porters would be replaced with green coloured dress adding that unfortunately, in past, no steps had been taken for workers.
He said that at every big railway station, rest places consisting of two rooms would be made for porters where facilities like clean drinking water, LCDs, washrooms and sleeping arrangements would be provided. Benches would be built at their workplace for providing them proper place to sit, he added.
He said that Rs 50 has been fixed as per visit fee of porters for carrying luggage and the porters would do their work on turn basis. He said that lifts would be installed at big railway stations for the convenience of porters.
Rafique said that Railway income has increased from Rs 18 billion to Rs 36 billion in three years. E-ticketing system would soon be started and planning for next 12 years is being made for putting Pakistan railways on modern lines, he added.
The minister said that Azadi Train had been run to provide information to youth about its past, present and future which, he said, would pass through all provinces after covering thousand miles.
