PM wants Pakistan to be self-reliant

Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed his intention that Pakistan becomes a self-sufficient country, with a stable economy and investment opportunities in order to spur the country towards progress.

“I wish that Pakistan becomes a nation, which never begs before anyone and not asks for loans, with increased economic activity,” he said while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the upgraded Hassan Abdal Railway Station – first built during the British rule around 127 years ago – in Attock, Punjab on Friday.

Tied to the Mainline-I (ML-I) project, the upgrade is expected to modernise the country’s existing railway system and accelerate economic activity. The ML-I is one of the major projects under the multi-billion dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Unfortunately, PM Imran claimed that the British infrastructure of the rail network of 1861, which the country inherited at the time of partition, was cut down instead of expansion. The railway is a facility used for travelling by the masses, however, it was not developed by the previous governments, he alleged.

He said the government got a reduction in the cost of the ML-I project from $9 billion to $6 billion after negotiation with China. “With the construction of under-passes, bridges and gates, the ML-I project will reduce the distance between Karachi-Lahore to mere seven hours,” the premier said, adding that the project would contribute to the economic activity by transforming the existing railway structure into modern designs, create job opportunities and ease-of-doing-business.

The premier reiterated that his government received a debt-ridden country however, currently, the economy is recovering and moving fast forward.

During the ceremony, the officials informed the premier of the enhanced facilities offered at the railway station. They said the railway station would now better facilitate Sikh pilgrims.

Talking about religious harmony, PM Imran said all citizens regardless of their religions, have equal rights to practice their faith. The upgradation of Hassan Abdal Railway Station, which was at a close distance from Gurdwara Punja Sahib, would facilitate the Sikh pilgrims, he added.

He was of the view that the railways station at Narowal would also help the affordable movement of the Sikh community. PM Imran further added that places of worship for minorities, including Hindus and Sikhs, should be renovated so that people from different religions visit Pakistan.

“Pakistan has the potential of becoming a great tourist attraction for Hindus and Buddhists from all over the world,” he said while giving reference to a renowned international magazine Conde Nast Traveller that ranked Pakistan as the best tourist destination in the future.

During the inauguration, PM Imran Khan was accompanied by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Shah Farman, Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed and others.