Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said that Pakistan Railways employees would observe Thanksgiving Day on June 15. for their promotion and other positive measures taken for their welfare.
While addressing a press conference at Railways headquarters here Monday, he said unprecedented measures have been taken for the well being of Railways employees. Almost all 90,000 employees have been promoted to next grades, he added.
He thanked President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz for their keen interest in the welfare of Railways employees, adding "we are going to observe June 15 as a day of thanksgiving for the fulfilment of promises made to Railways employees".
Lahore Railway station would be modernised and renovation and development work has already been started. Special sitting arrangements for the second class would be made, he pointed out.
He said, on the one hand, full attention was being given to provide all possible incentives to hardworking and honest employees. He maintained that FIRs had been registered against those responsible for the displacement of the lease deed file regarding the contract of the Royal Palm and Country Club.
The minister also announced to run five utility trains to be used by Utility Stores Corporation to carry daily-use items to far-flung areas of the country just to enable them to take advantage of the daily use commodities relief packages.
Sheikh Rashid said that 5000 housing units would be built in five divisions of the Pakistan Railways to be provided on ownership basis to low ranking employees. "It has always been my earnest desire that all the employees should have their own houses," he observed. He said Pakistan Railways would observe courtesy week from June 16.