Azam Swati expresses commitment to revive Pakistan Railways 

ISLAMABAD, Jan 18 (SABAH):  The Senate was informed on Tuesday that 230 new train bogies have been procured to provide better services to the commuters.

Minister for Railways Muhammad Azam Khan Swati told the house during question hour that the country will receive the first consignment of these bogies in a matter of three to four months.

Azam Swati expressed the commitment to revive Pakistan Railways. He said Pakistan Railways is amongst the state owned enterprises which were ruined in the past due to political appointments. He said we have introduced a computerized system to improve the performance and efficiency of the department.

Responding to a question, Azam Swati said several meetings have been held with Chinese authorities for initiation of work on up gradation of ML-1 from Karachi to Peshawar. He said Prime Minister Imran Khan is visiting Beijing early next month and he has requested him to take up this project with the Chinese President on priority basis. He said this is a win-win project both for Pakistan and China which will help avert train accidents and cut losses of Pakistan Railways.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan laid before the house two ordinances. These included: The Diplomatic and Consular Officers (Oath and Fees) Amendment Ordinance 2021 and Islamabad Capital Territory Trust Amendment Ordinance 2021.

Responding to the points of PPP leader Mian Raza Rabbani, Leader of House in Senate Shahzad Waseem said it is the first government which has framed national security policy. He said inputs from all stakeholders on it were invited. He said we are ready to present the policy at every forum of the parliament. The house will now meet on Friday at 10:30 AM.