Federal Minister Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique has challenged PTI chief Imran Khan to resign and contest election to assess the feelings of the masses. "People voted political parties not for chaos but for prosperity and peace. Khan should assure the government that his workers would remain peaceful and detached from PAT workers then the government would seriously consider to allow Azadi March, but the government would not allow Dr Tahirul Qadri to hold Inqalib March at any cost."
Addressing a press conference at Railways headquarters on Railways' performance and achievements of budgetary targets on Tuesday, he said, "Khan should take sensible decision as the days had gone when governments were removed with force now we are ready to settle all issues on table with PTI."
He alleged that Khan himself won with rigging in Rawalpindi as his party did character assassination campaign against the opponent candidate of PML-N and now Khan in order to hush up that rigging alleging the government with same allegations. "There was no need of long march and I hold Khan responsible for crash in Stock Market as he made panic situation with his statements. The government would not allow Qadri for Revolution March as he was wanted in criminal cases and had no political strength." He categorically rejected the allegations about stamping ballet papers for victory which was alleged by Khan during his press conference on Monday.
Presenting performance of Pakistan Railways, he said it had earned Rs 5.91 billion more revenue in financial year 2013-14 as compared to corresponding year which was Rs 2.38 billion higher than the budgetary targets. During this year, the passenger volume increased with addition of three million and two to three more passengers trains would be added in operation during current year, he said.
Railways had now deployed 32 locomotives against eight of last year on freight operation and the number would be 45 to 50 during current year, Rafique said, adding the management had decided to start cargo train in September that year it would run twice a week and later four times a week.
Azadi Train was being inaugurated with sponsored funds and it would brand PR among the masses. PR had added 23 locomotives received from China in fleet, 20 more received and five were being assembled in PR factory. "PR is working hard to make its factory fully operated for production of locomotives and we are searching partners who would ensure transfer of technology in six to seven year for the production of 350 to 400 locomotives."
It had decided to establish Railways Freight Transport Company with the task to ensure transport of coal about 16 to 18 metric tones from Port Qasim to various parts of Punjab and other provinces for coal fired electricity projects. "We would construct track about 13km from Port Qasim to Bin Qasim with the cost of Rs 1.5 billion within two year for this purpose," Rafique said.
Automation system from Kotri to Lodharn track would be completed with the cost of Rs 39 billion within three years and it would facilitate 180 trains from Karachi to Lahore on daily basis, Rafique said. PR would start passengers and trains staff insurance scheme and computerisation of land project would complete in 18 months. The PR would man 75 vulnerable unmanned level crossings in Punjab with the help of provincial government to avoid fatalities on rail track, Rafique said. The management had decided to ply 20 special trains in current year, he added. In response to a question regarding Business Train, he said "it has been declared wilful defaulter and it has become easy for NAB to investigate the case on priority basis."