News Desk |
Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed at a press conference in Lahore on April 20th said there was an international conspiracy to stop the development of Pakistan’s railways.
To Connect 70 Percent of Pakistan’s Population
Sheikh Rashid said that it was part of an international conspiracy that ML-1 does not get signed in China. When the Pakistan railways will connect areas where 70 percent of the national population resides, it will transform the country.
Past governments have been criticized for spending money on building bridges and metros instead of on projects protecting the long-term national interest.
Pakistan and China will now sign the preliminary design of ML-1 project during the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to Beijing, Sheikh told the media.
Plot to Stop Finalization of ML-1
Some people do not want finalization of ML-1, he said. Sheikh Rashid said that the previous railways’ minister did nothing but procurement. Referring to Khawaja Saad Rafiq, without naming him, he said, “he has only purchased engines, has bought machinery worth up to a billion rupees…I did not even have money for trackers. I somehow managed to get the trackers installed..”
He said that after my return from China, I will give the people a good news of a big train. “I have brought corruption at freight trains to an end,” he said.
Read more: Railway Ministry demands Rs. 73 Billion for “Development” ahead of budget…
I have discussed the railways budget today, will finalize the budget on 24th. He said that he was doing more with a single seat in the parliament than political parties with 20 seats.
150,000 Jobs at the Railways
Dismissing pessimism, he said that “the country will run.” The railways is about to provide jobs to 150,000 people, the railways minister announced.
He said that he wanted the lower staff at the Railways facilitated especially the clerical staff. I will do my best to help them, the federal minister said.
Read more: First cargo train from China leaves for Karachi
Past governments have been criticized for spending money on building bridges and metros instead of on projects protecting the long-term national interest.