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Express Tribune
a day ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
PM: Trump's remarks reopen Modi's wounds
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that every time US President Donald Trump talks about stopping the Pakistan-India war, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "wounds are reopened". "US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that we stopped the war. When the US president says that we stopped the Pakistan-India war, Modi's wounds are reopened," he said while inaugurating Pak Business Express and newly upgraded passenger facilities at the Lahore Railway Station. During his address, PM Shehbaz also paid tribute to Pakistan's Armed Forces for their resilience in the four-day conflict with India, which he described as "short but highly dangerous." He praised the military's technical superiority, the Air Force's internal innovations, and the Army's use of Al Fatah missiles. "India believed Pakistan could only rely on nuclear deterrence, but conventional warfare supremacy has shattered that myth," he said, reaffirming his commitment to the nation's security. He added that our nuclear assets are guarantors of national security, and the enemy does not dare to look at us with an evil eye. The premier further noted that Pakistan and China were moving forward on new avenues of development, with full coordination underway for the second phase of the CPEC. He emphasized that bilateral ties between the two countries were stronger than ever and continued to serve as a cornerstone for regional growth and cooperation. He added that efforts were also underway to rebuild and strengthen relations with the United States. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the premier expressed delight over the visible transformation of the historic railway station, which he visited after a long interval. "From a warm welcome to well-mannered receptionists, renovated CIP lounges, upgraded passenger waiting rooms, and a fully refurbished train with modern European-style dining and sleeper berths, the change is truly gratifying," he said. Losses decline The prime minister termed the substantial decline in power distribution companies' (Discos) losses as a highly encouraging development and the first of its kind in decades. He chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Energy at the PM House, a Prime Minister's Office news release said. The premier stated that this financial improvement would greatly facilitate the privatization of these power companies. "The reduction in losses marks a turning point for the energy sector, making the road to privatization smoother and more realistic," he remarked. According to a briefing by the Power Division, total losses in power distribution companies have decreased by Rs193 billion, with an overall improvement of Rs242 billion reported. IGC Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reiterated government's strong commitment to implementing the decisions taken during the Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) and stressed the importance of the timely follow-up to translate the agreements into tangible outcomes. The move came as a high-level delegation from the Kyrgyz Republic led by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Edil Baisalov called on the premier in the federal capital.
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
PM inaugurates ‘Pak Business Express' train
LAHORE: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reaffirmed his government's commitment to transforming Pakistan Railways into a modern, reliable, and affordable transport system for all citizens, not just the elite. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Pak Business Express and the newly-upgraded passenger facilitation centre at the Lahore Railway Station, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the station's recent improvements during his visit after a long gap. 'From a warm welcome to well-mannered receptionists, renovated CIP lounges, upgraded passenger waiting rooms, and a fully refurbished train with modern European-style dining and sleeper berths, the change is truly gratifying,' he said. He lauded the digitization of the ticketing system, the availability of Wi-Fi facilities, and the outsourcing of services to improve professionalism and efficiency. 'These services are for the common masses, not just a privileged class. This is a step towards turning railways into a best-in-class transportation system for both passengers and cargo freight,' PM Shehbaz remarked. The Prime Minister commended Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, Secretary and Chairman Railways, and the team for their contributions, also acknowledging former minister Khawaja Muhammad Saad Rafique's '16 months of dedicated service to the railways department.' Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to ensure punctuality and transparent outsourcing of railway assets to make them profitable. He emphasized expanding the transformation across the national network, 'from Peshawar to Karachi, Rohri, and Quetta,' aiming to match global standards. He further said, 'The Almighty guides and supports every sincere effort. This is just the first step; we must struggle with dedication and transparency to serve the people of Pakistan.' The newly-launched Pak Business Express will run between Lahore and Karachi in 18 hours and 30 minutes, with economy-class fares set at Rs 5,100. In his address, PM Shehbaz also paid tribute to Pakistan's Armed Forces for their role in the recent four-day war with India, calling it 'short but highly dangerous.' He praised the military's conventional capabilities, including the Air Force's innovations, the Army's use of Al Fatah missiles, and the Navy's readiness. 'India believed Pakistan could only rely on nuclear deterrence, but conventional warfare supremacy has shattered that myth,' he said. Concluding the ceremony, the Prime Minister reiterated his pledge to make Pakistan Railways a modern, transparent, and people-focused institution. 'Together we can make railways a true engine of progress for Pakistan,' he said. Minister Hanif Abbasi thanked the Prime Minister for his leadership, crediting him with backing railways' digitization, service outsourcing, and the introduction of a cashless payment system. He noted the department had earned Rs 93 billion, installed escalators for differently-abled passengers, and improved cleanliness and punctuality. Abbasi also praised the Prime Minister's role during the recent conflict with India, saying his 'direct calls and strong foreign policy' pushed India onto the defensive while rallying international support for Pakistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Trump's remarks on stopping Pakistan-India war 'reopen old wounds' for Modi: PM Shehbaz
Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that every time US President Donald Trump talks about stopping the Pakistan-India war, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'wounds are reopened'. "US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that we stopped the war. When the US president says that we stopped the Pakistan-India war, Modi's wounds are reopened," he said while inaugrating Pak Business Express and newly upgraded passenger facilities at the Lahore Railway Station. During his address, PM Shehbaz also paid tribute to Pakistan's Armed Forces for their resilience in the four-day conflict with India, which he described as 'short but highly dangerous.' He praised the military's technical superiority, the Air Force's internal innovations, and the Army's use of Al Fatah missiles. 'India believed Pakistan could only rely on nuclear deterrence, but conventional warfare supremacy has shattered that myth,' he said, reaffirming his commitment to the nation's security. He added that our nuclear assets are guarantors of national security, and the enemy does not dare to look at us with an evil eye. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses the inaugural ceremony of Pak Business Express at Lahore Railway Station. — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) July 29, 2025 Speaking during the ceremony, PM Shehbaz expressed satisfaction with the station's visible transformation. 'From a warm welcome to well-mannered receptionists, renovated CIP lounges, upgraded passenger waiting rooms, and a fully refurbished train with modern European-style dining and sleeper berths, the change is truly gratifying,' he said. The PM hailed the digitisation of the ticketing system, the introduction of Wi-Fi facilities, and the outsourcing of services to improve efficiency and professionalism. "These services are for the common masses, not just a privileged class. This is a step towards turning railways into a best-in-class transportation system for both passengers and cargo freight," he added. PM Shehbaz commended the Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, the Railways secretary, and chairman for their efforts, while also acknowledging the previous contributions of former minister Saad Rafique, highlighting his "16 months of dedicated service" to the Railways department. He further stressed the need for punctuality and transparent outsourcing of railway land and services, aiming to turn these assets into profitable ventures for the nation. He also underscored the importance of continuing the transformation of Pakistan Railways across the country, from Peshawar to Karachi, Rohri, and Quetta. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif visiting different sections of Pak-Business Express, newly inaugurated CIP Lounge, waiting halls and other facilities at Lahore Railway Station. — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) July 29, 2025 'The Almighty guides and supports every sincere effort. This is just the first step; we must struggle with dedication and transparency to serve the people of Pakistan,' PM Shehbaz remarked. The PM concluded the ceremony with a pledge to transform Pakistan Railways into a modern, transparent, and people-centric institution. "Together we can make Railways a true engine of progress for Pakistan," he stated. Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi thanked the PM for his vision and leadership. He credited him for supporting the digitisation, outsourcing of services, and the introduction of a cashless payment system at railway stations. He also revealed that the Railways had earned Rs93 billion, installed escalators for differently-abled passengers, and improved cleanliness and punctuality across stations. The newly launched Pak Business Express will travel between Lahore and Karachi in 18 hours and 30 minutes, with an economy-class fare of Rs 5,100.
Express Tribune
17-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
PR hikes passenger fares after diesel price surge
Pakistan Railways (PR) has increased passenger train fares by 2% following a rise in diesel prices. The freight sector has also seen adjustments, with coal rates up by 3% and fertiliser rates by 2%, officials confirmed, Express News reported. The price of diesel surged by Rs 11.37 per litre, imposing an additional daily cost of Rs 3.99 million and a monthly burden of around Rs 119.5 million on the state-owned operator. Pakistan Railways consumes approximately 350,000 litres of diesel per day. Meanwhile, PR is preparing to relaunch the refurbished Pak Business Express, a once-celebrated public-private partnership (PPP) train service that later collapsed due to operational and financial issues. Read: PR gears up for new Business Express The prime minister is expected to inaugurate the revamped train in the coming days, promising upgraded coaches, better seating, Wi-Fi, and improved catering. Launched in 2012 under a PPP between Pakistan Railways and Four Brothers Group, the train was intended to modernise travel on the Lahore-Karachi route. The private partner managed onboard services while PR provided locomotives and track access. However, the venture faced internal resistance from the railway bureaucracy and financial mismanagement by the private firm. Payment defaults led to legal disputes, and by 2015, PR took full control, ending the partnership.
Express Tribune
17-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
PR gears up for new Business Express
Listen to article Pakistan Railways (PR) is preparing to roll out a refurbished Pak Business Express train, a service once hailed as a game changer but later became a tale of how public-private partnership (PPP) can go wrong. In the coming days, the prime minister is expected to formally inaugurate this modernised train, promising passengers upgraded coaches, comfortable seating, and facilities comparable to any modern railway service. Yet behind the new curtains and polished floors lies a turbulent history that raises questions about the future of PPPs in Pakistan's rail sector. Pak Business Express first took off in February 2012 with fanfare and hope. Inaugurated by the then premier Yousuf Raza Gilani, it was the country's first privately run passenger train, operating on the Lahore-Karachi route under a partnership between Pakistan Railways and the Four Brothers Group. The plan was ambitious; the private company would invest in refurbishing coaches, manage on-board services, and share revenues with the railways, while Pakistan Railways would provide track access and locomotives. It was meant to introduce competition, improve service quality, and reduce financial burden on the cash-strapped public railway system, which was on the verge of failure. Nevertheless, the train's journey soon hit rough tracks. Former railway officials recall the internal resistance that began almost immediately. "Many within the railway bureaucracy were not happy. They saw private involvement as a threat to their control and income streams," said a retired railway officer, requesting anonymity. He explained that powerful groups within the organisation felt their traditional monopoly was under attack. This led to delays, operational hurdles, and a lack of cooperation that eventually strained the partnership. From the private sector side, matters were no better. The Four Brothers Group, which had entered the venture with high hopes, struggled with financial management and meeting contractual obligations. "Our intention was genuine, but we faced constant operational difficulties and a hostile environment. Passenger numbers were initially encouraging, but we couldn't sustain the cost with the level of support we received," said a former executive of the Four Brothers Group. The company failed to make timely payments owed to Pakistan Railways, leading to disputes and court cases that dragged on for years. By 2015, the situation had become untenable. Pakistan Railways ultimately took back control of Pak Business Express, ending what had once been promoted as a flagship PPP venture. The episode became a symbol of how deep-rooted institutional resistance and weak contractual enforcement can derail even the most promising partnerships. "The Pak Business Express fiasco left a bad taste in everyone's mouth. It also discouraged other private players from stepping into this space," remarked an official from Pakistan Railways' planning department. Over the years, Pakistan Railways has tried to revive the PPP model in various forms. Trains like the Shalimar Express, Karakoram Express and recently the Green Line Express have been operated under different PPP formats, but most of these projects either failed or reverted to full government control due to similar issues, ie, lack of trust, payment disputes, and operational bottlenecks. Currently, nine trains are being operated via the PPP mode, whereas the railways intend to outsource another 11 trains in the coming months. Industry observers note that while the idea of private investment in railways remains attractive, Pakistan has not yet found the right formula to balance public oversight with private efficiency. Now, Pakistan Railways hopes to write a new chapter with the revamped Pak Business Express. Officials insist that lessons have been learnt and this time around the train will deliver the level of service that passengers deserve. The refurbished coaches reportedly feature modern amenities, including comfortable berths, Wi-Fi, and improved catering. "We have invested heavily in upgrading this train to meet international standards," said a senior official of Pakistan Railways. "This is not just cosmetic change; we are committed to making it a sustainable success." Still, industry experts remain cautious. "The infrastructure may look new, but the fundamental issues have not changed. Unless Pakistan Railways changes its institutional mindset and establishes clear, enforceable contracts, we risk repeating the same mistakes," warned transportation analyst Zubair Sheikh. He argued that while the re-launch is a positive step, the real test will be in how revenue sharing, maintenance, and operations are handled over the long term. Meanwhile, the public waits with cautious optimism. Many commuters remember the initial days of Pak Business Express, when for the first time, railway travel was fast, clean, and customer-focused. "It was like flying on tracks," recalled Asad Khan, a frequent passenger from Lahore. "If they can make it work again, even then it would be a difficult task for railways at this point in time, as other premium trains are already operating. Fares are also high and train derailments are a routine. It would be hard for an average Pakistani to travel with high ticket price and a risk for businesspersons due to the dilapidated infrastructure," added Khan.
