Balochistan to have a vast share in Railways, says Rafique

Says railway department keen to expand network in the province

QUETTA: Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique has said that after the completion of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) related projects, Balochistan will have a vast share in Pakistan Railways and more sections will be made functional to connect the province with the national railway circle.

Rafique, who is on a visit to Balochistan to inaugurate Sibi-Harnai section, said that the resumption of railway service between Sibi and Harnai would be very beneficial for the people of Balochistan. “The 134-km Sibi-Harnai track had been shut for more than a decade and our predecessors never attempted to make it functional,” Saad Rafique said while speaking to the media at the Chief Minister House in Quetta on Wednesday.



“We have finally done our job. The section will resume after the adoption of modern structure by National Logistic Cell (NLC) which will be beneficial for the people of Balochistan.”

Regarding other railway projects Rafique said, “The railway department is keen to expand the railway network in Balochistan for which 285 acres of land has been purchased in Gwadar, while feasibility report of Quetta-Zhob section and Peshawar track has been prepared”.

Regarding the law and order situation in Balochistan, he said, PML N’s federal and provincial regimes have made great efforts to maintain law and order in the province, “Civil and military leaderships, together, have made huge efforts to restore peace in Balochistan.”

Discussing the political environment of the country Saad Rafique said that the PML N was striving for the supremacy of the Constitution and parliament and it will continue its efforts in this regard, “Pakistan has emerged with a positive image before the world since the PML-N held the rein of the country and our opponents are attempting to purge our development projects”.

“We are optimistic that the people of Pakistan will again select PML-N in the upcoming general elections.”



Shunning speculations regarding the Senate elections, the minister said, “We are keen that after the consensus with other political forces, Senate elections will be held as per schedule.”

Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri, Nawab Changez Khan Marri and other PML-N leaders were also present on the occasion.