ISLAMABAD / NOWSHERA – Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday called for uninterrupted reforms process in Pakistan Railways saying it is imperative to steer out the national organisation from deficit.
The Prime Minister stated this while chairing a meeting on the ongoing reform process in Pakistan Railways, progress in Karachi Circular Railway Project and Prime Minister’s Railway Green Initiative.
The Prime Minister said that an improved railway system would not only provide better transportation facilities to the people but will also help in resolving transport related issues and improving the economy.
The meeting was informed that a plan is under process to construct a special freight corridor for freight vehicles parallel to the Lahore-Karachi railway track through which Pipri will be connected to Karachi Port Trust to address the transport related problems of Karachi city.
Referring to the Karachi Circular Railway project, it was informed that Pakistan Railways has developed a model on build-operate-transfer (BOT) basis which will ensure improved service to the passengers. It was informed that a detailed reform program is underway to overcome the losses in the institute.
Election of Baloch, tribal leaders on Senate seats to strengthen federation: PM
The meeting was also briefed on the progress of ML-1 project.
It was also given detailed briefing on land identified for planting trees along a 221-km long track where trees will be planted. The meeting was attended by Railway Minister Muhammad Azam Khan Swati, Planning Minister Asad Umar, Advisor on Institutional Reforms Dr Ishrat Hussain, Federal Secretaries and senior officers.
Olive plantation campaign
Prime Minister Imran Khan says olive plantation will help address climate change and increase exports of the country. He was addressing the launching ceremony of olive plantation campaign in Nowshera district on Monday.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan spends a lot on import of edible oil that can be reduced with the production of olive oil locally by planting olive trees particularly on western bank of the Sindh River.
Imran Khan said food security a serious challenge for Pakistan as the country imports sugar, wheat, oil and ghee. He said the fast growing population adds to this challenge.
He said the production of olive oil can also generate new jobs and flourish businesses in the country.
The Prime Minister said the primary objective of the PTI government’s ten billion tree tsunami project is to safeguard our generations from the effects of climate change.
He asked the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to use the Miyawaki method of plantation in Peshawar to tackle the growing issue of pollution in the city.
Imran Khan said the government is including fruit trees in Ten Billion Tree Tsunami, which will create new employment opportunities. He said areas will be divided in different zones scientifically to plant specific fruit trees. Highlighting Pakistan’s vulnerability in climate change, the Prime Minister urged the youth to participate in plantation campaigns in their areas.
Strengthening federation
Prime Minister Imran Khan Monday said the elections of leaders from Balochistan and merged tribal districts as Senate chairman and deputy chairman respectively would help strengthen the federation.
He, in a meeting with Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani and Deputy Chairman Mirza Muhammad Afridi, who called on him here, said their elections on top slots in upper house of the parliament was also a matter of pride for the people of their areas.
Defence Minister Pervaiz Khattak also attended the meeting, a Prime Minister Office press release said.
The prime minister hoped that the Senate chairman would continue rendering his services efficiently in his second tenure too, just like his previous term.
He also expressed good wishes for both the chairman and deputy chairman of the Senate.
PM, Shibli discuss govt performance
Prime Minister Imran Khan Monday here held a meeting with Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Shibli Faraz and discussed matters related to the government performance.
Special Assistant to Prime Minister Rauf Hassan, Senator Faisal Javed and Yousaf Baig Mirza were also present in the meeting.
The prime minister exchanged views on ways to highlight measures of the present government regarding welfare and well being of the public.
