Pakistan: Karachi to Thar safari train launched
Wire desk byline Sourced from Xinhua, Dawn, Arab News, Anadolu and Minute Mirror. Translated and abridged by the GSRRA Desk.
PR CEO highlights importance of provincial cooperation, resource challenges
In a joint effort with Pakistan Railways, the Sindh government has launched the Karachi to Thar Desert Safari tourist train, according to a press statement released on Monday. The cooperation of provincial governments is essential for the restoration of more tourist trains, as the required funds for tourism are allocated to the provinces.
Pakistan Railways Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Aamir Ali Baloch, while addressing public queries during an e-Kachehri, emphasised that Pakistan Railways is a federal institution committed to providing the best travel facilities. Baloch explained that Pakistan Railways’ top priority are its passengers, however, public cooperation in maintaining cleanliness is also indispensable. He urged passengers to dispose of food waste and other trash only in designated bins to ensure the cleanliness of trains and stations. He explained that launching new trains requires substantial resources.
“As soon as the necessary resources become available, the process of introducing new trains will commence. Significant work remains on the ML-2 railway line, and suspended train services will also be gradually restored as resources allow,” he said.
Responding to a question regarding the restoration of the Landi Kotal railway track, the Pakistan Railways’ CEO stated that the rehabilitation of the railway track from Peshawar to Landi Kotal would cost over Rs10 billion. The project will proceed as soon as the required funds are available. To enhance passenger convenience, Baloch directed improvements to the railway’s mobile application to make it more user-friendly, ensuring that passengers do not face any difficulties.
Reference Link:- https://tribune.com.pk/story/2527771/karachi-to-thar-safari-train-launched
Zamir Ahmed Awan is the founder and Chair of the Global Silk Route Research Alliance, a think tank in Islamabad. He studied engineering at Shanghai University in the 1980s, and years later he went back to China as Pakistan's science counsellor in Beijing, from 2010 until 2016, working on science and higher education cooperation between the two countries.…
