Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti and Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi jointly presided over an important meeting between the Government of Balochistan and Pakistan Railways at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat on Tuesday, where they held detailed discussions on the revival of the railway system in the province, the launch of the People’s Train Service, and the initiation of various joint venture development projects.
During the meeting, the two sides reached a principle-level agreement to launch the People’s Train Service in Balochistan along with other collaborative development initiatives. Federal Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi said that for the first time in the 78-year history of Pakistan Railways, a historic decision on provincial-level devolution had been taken, reflecting growing trust and cooperation between the federation and the provinces.
He stated that while all three provinces showed interest in local railway service projects, Balochistan took the practical lead, which he termed a clear reflection of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti’s effective leadership and clear vision.
He added that under the Chief Minister’s leadership, the railway sector in Balochistan is moving forward with a modern, efficient and sustainable strategy.Terming the People’s Train Service a model of cooperation between Pakistan Railways and the Government of Balochistan, Hanif Abbasi said the project would prove to be a milestone in providing affordable, safe and quality travel facilities to the public.
Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti said the Government of Balochistan was keen to ensure fast-track and practical progress on the People’s Train Service project. He announced that the provincial government would provide the required resources for the construction of new railway stations and the upgradation of existing infrastructure.
The Chief Minister further disclosed that Rs1.4 billion would be released within the current week to ensure timely implementation of the People’s Train Service project. He said that following the successful operation of the Sariab-to-Kuchlak route, the service would be extended to Mastung, Pishin and other areas of the province.
Later, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and Federal Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi visited the Railways Football Ground, where they agreed on promoting sports activities and launching joint development projects on Pakistan Railways-owned land.
Reaffirming his commitment, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti said that the revival of the railway system and the provision of affordable, safe and reliable travel facilities remain among the top priorities of the Government of Balochistan, adding that close and effective coordination with the federal government would continue to achieve these objectives.
