Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on Friday provided relief to railway passengers by instructing Pakistan Railways to maintain fare levels despite the increasing costs of diesel.
The government will absorb an additional Rs 6 billion until June 30 to ensure that travel remains affordable and freight rates stable.
A spokesman for Pakistan Railways stated that the government opted to bear the burden of rising diesel prices after a 30 percent increase in fares was considered necessary to cover operational costs.
The Prime Minister’s order applies to all classes, including Economy and AC, while freight rates will also remain unchanged to assist the business sector.
Railway Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi further said that this decision has helped passengers during challenging times, calling it a gift that guarantees affordable travel and consistent freight services.
Costly prime land returned to Pakistan Railways
Earlier, the expensive prime land spanning 43.11 acres, owned by Pakistan Railways, was reclaimed.
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Karachi successfully retrieved property that belongs to Pakistan Railways, situated at Survey Numbers 48, 49, 50, and 51 in Deh Khanto, Juma Goth, Karachi.
This land, which covers an area of 43.11 acres and is valued at Rs 9,671 million, has now been returned to the physical custody of the department.
While Pakistan Railways stated that possession was obtained in 2021 in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directives, the findings of NAB revealed that private textile mills remained in actual control of the property.
Through ongoing investigation and collaborative efforts, NAB concluded the inquiry and successfully facilitated the recovery and transfer of the land to Pakistan Railways.
Read more: Costly prime land belongs to Pakistan Railways retrieved
