Federal Minister for Railways, Khawaja Saad Rafique Wednesday said that conspiracies hatched by political and non-political forces led to removal of an elected prime minister in a controversial way and this has created an uncertain political situation impacting the national economy. "Those blinded in their quest for political victimization are responsible for halting the country's economic progress," said Rafique while talking to the media persons after the inauguration of upgraded Awam Express here.
He said that it is a sign of doomsday when former President Asif Ali Zardari got a clean-chit from the accountability court, while former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is being "trapped." "If we talk about the decision, it is stated that we are attacking the court. At least we should be allowed to talk," Rafique added. The minister further said that they were not allowed to work thanks to the dharna [sit-in] and other conspiracies. If such conspiracies continue, investments will be taken out of Pakistan, he added.
Replying to a question, the minister said that he does not take political joker Sheikh Rashid seriously. The minister said that the Awam Express has been revamped from Pakistan Railways' own resources. Pakistan Railways' revenue has increased from Rs 18 billion in 2013 to Rs 40 billion by June 2017.
He said out of four rakes of Awam Express, two have been upgraded while up-gradation of the remaining two will be completed by end of October. Rafique said Allama Iqbal Express, Khyber Mail, Akbar Bugti Express and Bahauddin Zakaria Express will also be upgraded soon.
He said that the Pakistan Railways has got freed some of its land which was illegally occupied. He said that the construction and renovation of railways stations is underway. He further said that the Khyber Mail will be upgraded by March next year. The new rake inaugurated on Wednesday encompasses new flooring, paneling, public address system, curtains, window units and exterior work, while new lavatory accessories have also been installed.
It also contains digital destination board. An approximate cost on up-gradation of one rake of Awam Express is Rs 25 million. This rake contains 11 economy coaches, three AC standard coaches, one brake van, one luggage van, one AC dining car and one power plant.
Awam Express is a passenger train which is operated amid Peshawar and Karachi. It is one of the lengthiest continuous running passenger trains in Pakistan. The jaunt takes nearly 33 hours and 30 minutes to cover a published distance of 1,721 kilometers travelling along the entire stretch of ML-1.