Cultural show: Special Azadi Train ready to chug out

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways has finalised preparations for Special Azadi Train to start its journey a couple of days before August 14 and cover thousands of kilometres long journey across the country.

Officials of Pakistan Railways said that like previous years, the Azadi Train would travel across the country on the occasion of Independence Day. It is special this because of the 70th Independence Day, they said.

The Special Azadi Train would highlight the Freedom Movement, sacrifices of armed forces for the defence of the country and cultural heritage of all the regions of Pakistan, officials of Rawalpindi Carriage Factory said.

They said that more than 100 people were working to finalise models of different cultures of Pakistan by August 11.

The train will comprise of coaches showcasing culture and tradition of all the four provinces, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

The train will also depict the country’s fight against terrorism and extremism, they remarked.

The train, in its month-long journey to different cities, would stop at all major stations. People would visit the pictorial display of the struggle for independence and 70 years of survival of the country enjoy cultural shows and interact with folk artistes.

Meanwhile, an official of PNCA said a group of National Puppet Theatre will also be the part of Azadi Train journey.

These puppet shows will sensitise the youth and children on different important issues.

The artistes of Lok Virsa will also perform in the cultural shows to be held on Azadi Train.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 3^rd, 2017.