Chitral Times Report
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Justice (R) Nasir-ul-Mulk was briefed today about the performance of Pakistan Railways at Prime Minister’s Office. The briefing was attended by Minister for Railways Mrs. Roshan Khursheed Bharucha, Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr. Suhail Aamir, Secretary Railways Mr. Muhammad Javed Anwar and senior officers of Ministry of Railways. The Prime Minister was briefed about organizational structure, rail network in the country, past performance and the future development strategy under National Vision 2025 in the Railways sector. The Prime Minister was also briefed, in detail, about the new business plan and various initiatives taken, both in freight as well as passenger transportation sector, for the revival of Railways and increasing its revenues. The Prime Minister was informed that as a result of right mix in service the passenger share in Railways has increased from 13% in 2013 to 31% in 2017. Pakistan Railways recorded a revenue of Rs. 50 billion in 2017-18 as compared to revenue of Rs. 15.5 billion in 2011-12. The Prime Minister was also briefed about the progress made in various rail network extension projects under the CPEC. It was informed that Main Line-1 (ML-1) project from Karachi to Havelian was being upgraded as Early Harvest Project under the CPEC. It was informed that feasibility study for upgradation of ML-2 (Kotri-Attock) project has also been completed. Similarly, feasibility studies were in progress on extension of ML–2 (Gwadar – Basima – Jacobabad and Basima-Quetta) and extension of ML–3 (Quetta – Bostan – Zhob – DI Khan – Kotlajam) projects. The Prime Minister was also apprised about the challenges faced by the organization including the issue of pension liabilities that contributed to 34% of the total expenditure of the organization. The Prime Minister appreciated the performance of Pakistan Railways especially various initiatives taken under the strategic business plan. The Prime Minister observed that with coming of the CPEC project, there is a huge potential and scope for Pakistan Railways to further improve its performance and increase its share both in passenger as well as freight transportation sector by offer quality services to its customers. Observing that the organization was following right direction for its revival and sustainability, the Prime Minister directed that a comprehensive plan be worked out to overcome the existing challenges for the consideration of the incoming elected government.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Justice (R) Nasir-ul-Mulk was briefed today about the working of the Ministry of Human Rights, its role in protection and promotion of human rights and fulfillment of international obligations of the country in safeguarding human rights and protection of the vulnerable groups. The briefing was attended by Minister for Human Rights Mrs. Roshan Khursheed Bharucha, Secretary Human Rights Mrs. Rabiya Javeri Agha, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr. Kazim Niaz and senior officers of Ministry of Human Rights. Secretary Human Rights briefed the Prime Minister about enactment of laws and interventions of the Government for protection of human rights in the country. The Secretary also underscored the importance of inter-agency coordination at the Federal Government and with the provincial governments for the purpose of addressing human rights issues. Emphasizing the need for developing an all-encompassing national human rights narrative, it was proposed that a special committee be constituted with representation of all relevant ministries and provincial governments to facilitate Ministry of Human Rights in this regard. Similarly, placement of Human Rights Officers in Pakistan Mission at strategic locations was also suggested to address international concerns on human rights related issues and coordinate on commitments made in respect of Pakistan’s international treaties. The Prime Minister appreciated the role of the Ministry of Human Rights in formulation and implementation of various laws aimed at ensuring protection of human rights, especially those of the vulnerable groups. The Prime Minister directed that the proposals and recommendations of the Ministry should be submitted for consideration of the Cabinet.
