Railways to launch Karachi-Peshawar special cargo service

Pakistan Railways is likely to run a special train from Peshawar to Karachi, at least once in a week, to ensure timely supply of export goods. A special security squad will escort the train.
Divisional Superintendent, Pakistan Railways, Abdar Khan and Assistant Traffic Manager, Dry Port, Maryam Gilani, stated this while addressing members of Sarhad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI) standing committees on railways and dry port. Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi, who is chairman of both standing committees, presided over the meeting.
Divisional Engineer, Pakistan Railways, Chairman, All Pakistan Commercial Exporters Association (APCEA), Jamshid Khan, Imitaz Ahmed Ali, Nawaz Khan, Khairullah, Asad Bilal, Kamran Ali and Asif were among those who attended the meeting.
In his address of welcome, Zia expressed apprehensions on the PC-1 for the construction of Azakhel Dry Port, lack of facilities at Peshawar Dry Port, lack of shunting engines and shifting of the clearance of goods imported under Afghan Transit Trade (ATT) to Jamrud.
He called for restoration of Export Cargo 328 Down train service and briefed the railway officials on lack of the availability of wagons, theft of the goods brought under ATT, release of special cargo container train, abolition of the contract system of C.R.R and convening of regular meetings of the advisory committees.
Deputy Collector, Customs, Peshawar Dry Port, Arbab Qaiser assured the committee about valuation of the goods at Peshawar bringing it at par with other parts of the country.
In response to the points raised by Sarhadi, Divisional Superintendent told the committee that the PC-1 of the Azakhel Dry Port would be sent to chairman for approval to get nod for the launching of the construction work on the project.
He said that facilities at Peshawar Dryport would be made possible only after release of funds by Trade Development Authority Pakistan (TDAP). However, he said, it would require more funds.
The railway officials assured the resolution of some other problems and initiating of steps in this regard. Sarhadi congratulated Mahtab Ahmad Khan Abbasi on assuming the responsibilities of Federal Minister for Railways and expressed hope that he would utilise his abilities for bringing improvement in the performance of the ministry and giving relief to the business community.