Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique Monday said that the government is taking effective steps to put Pakistan Railways on modern lines. He said this while speaking at a signing ceremony in connection with online train tickets, here Monday.
Saad Rafique said that Pakistan railways freight sector has earned billions of rupees due to the reforms introduced by the government. He said that financial discipline has been ensured in the railways and what we have achieved is due to efforts of all the employees in the organisations. "We have not taken any bailout package from the government, we just put the entity on right path," he said and added, "Pakistan Railways has experienced an unprecedented turnaround in last four years and we have realized that the organization can grow only if it keeps itself abreast with the new technologies of the world."
Saad Rafique maintained that they followed the principle of "right man for the right job" for revival of railway. The country too can move forward by following this principle, he added.
He said the country's future is linked with the Pakistan railways and putting it on the right path. He expressed the hope that the Pakistan railways would become a strong organisation by following the policies pursued by them. He was of full praise of honest and dedicated officers in bureaucracy and said that honest and dedicated officers can bring turn around in the country. He said that public-private partnership mode is to be followed while restructuring in different section is underway.
By uplifting Pakistan Railways, he said they have been able to attract 20 million more passengers, to further facilitate them we have opted for IT solutions. "We have not only introduced e-ticketing but are also making it hassle free for our passengers. It is due to the success of the present e-ticketing system that leading financial agents in market have shown interest in becoming the business partner of Pakistan Railways," he said and added, "Today joining hands with JazzCash in digitized payment mode is an important milestone of our journey to success and goal to facilitate our valued customers. We are committed to convert Pakistan Railways into one of the best transportation networks in the region."
Under the agreement signed between JazzCash and Pakistan Railways, efforts will be made to facilitate the payment of online ticket fees across the country. Customers can now book their tickets online through the Pakistan Railways website or Pakistan Railways Mobile App, after which they would be able to pay for their booked e-tickets via JazzCash Mobile Accounts, JazzCash agents or debit/credit card of any bank. The solution will also revamp the online ticket fees financial reporting and reconciliation mechanism at Pakistan Railways. This service has been integrated with JazzCash mobile application and web based interface to allow user to pay from the comfort of their homes.
"JazzCash is committed towards digitizing Public to Government Payments. This solution has been designed to facilitate people travelling by railway, so they no longer have to stand in long queues to purchase tickets. Convenience has become a necessity in this digital era, and JazzCash is taking the lead in ensuring not only our customers, but the entire nation experiences the ease technology offers," said Aamir Ibrahim, CEO Jazz.
Speaking on the occasion, Aniqa Afzal Sandhu, Chief Digital and Financial Services Officer Jazz, said, "As a leading digital company, our customer's financial services needs take top priority and we continue to strive hard in providing them with the best services. JazzCash remains committed to the digitization of financial services and facilities like these further enhance our digital payments network."
Previously, JazzCash has digitized Directorate General Immigration and Passport, KP Higher Education Department, Sindh Police for Passport Fees Payment, Students College Admission Processing Fees Payment, Driving License Fee Collection and Pakistan Railway will be another addition to JazzCash's portfolio.