Azadi Train receives warm welcome in Sahiwal, Pattoki

People in large numbers throng railway stations

SAHIWAL: Pakistan Railways Special Azadi Train march reached Sahiwal on Friday. People in large numbers were present at Sahiwal Railway Station to welcome the Azadi Train.

The initiative was taken by the government to educate the people about the history and culture of the Pakistan. The train is carrying decorated floats depicting the cultures of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.



The air-conditioned coaches consist of galleries with displays regarding the Pakistan Movement, sacrifices rendered by the armed forces and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects. The train, in its month-long journey to different cities, would stop at all major stations.

When the train stopped at Sahiwal, folk artists of Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) arranged Jashn-e-Azadi musical show and got big applause from the audience. The artists representing all four provinces, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu Kashmir,  resented famous national songs in the musical show.

Shabnam, a Pashtu folk artist representing Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, said that most people do not understand Pashtu but they love Pashtu music. She added the response of the people was overwhelming.

Folk artists from all the four provinces also performed in the musical show. On the occasion, Sahiwal station master said the people of Sahiwal love the history and culture of Pakistan. He maintained that people had been waiting since last night to welcome the Azadi Train.



Students of various schools also visited the Azadi Train and witnessed the cultural shows and live performances. In the next phase, Azadi Train will reach Multan taking short stays at various railway stations, including Chichawatni, Mian Channu and Khanewal.

Earlier, hundreds of people welcomed the Azadi Train at Changa Manga, Kot Radha Kishan, Renala Khurd, and Pattoki railway stations.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 19^th, 2017.