Saad Calls For Unity To Achieve Purpose Of Independence Day

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Augst,2016) :Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique Thursday called upon all the political forces of the country to come foreword and forge unity for achieving purpose of celebrating Independence Day. Talking to mediapersons at Margalla Railway Station after inaugurating the Azadi Train, the minister said, "We should move forward with unity and agitation is not the solution of the challenges being faced by the country." Secretary IB&NH Saba Mohsin Raza, Secretary/Chairman Railways Parveen Agha, Mayor Islamabad Sheikh Ansar Aziz, Parliamentary Secretary for Railways Dewan Aashiq Hussain and diplomats from various countries also attended the ceremony. Saad Rafique showed the commitment that caravan of stability of Pakistan will move foreword smoothly under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. "State institutions, law enforcement agencies and armed forces will root out the menace of terrorism from the country with unity among their ranks," he remarked. He said incidents of terrorism like Quetta carnage will not deter the resolve of the government against fighting terrorism. In fact, the resolve of the government and people to eliminate terrorism has increased. The present government was committed to end the menace of terrorism which it inherited, he added. While commenting on Azadi Train, he said it portrays genesis of Pakistan, our past and bright future besides highlighting cultural diversity of the provinces and different regions of the country.

He appreciated the attached departments of Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage and Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) for their close cooperation in making the Azadi Train a resounding success. The minister recounted steps taken to reform Pakistan Railways and said it was an example how an official department can stand on its own feet without getting any bailout package during the last three years. Saad Rafique said there was hundred percent increase in the revenue of Pakistan Railways in three years. He said Pakistan Railways had signed an agreement to launch an e-ticketing system, under which passengers will get confirmation of their booking through an email or an SMS. "The present government has put the department on the path of progress.

Due to better teamwork, the government reduced the department's loss," he said. "With the efforts of the government, Pakistan Railways has generated over 36 billion and around 1.25 billion passengers have been encouraged to use trains again," he informed. The minister said at present the Pakistan Railways was free of politics or any conspiracy and officers can work freely without any pressure.