Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the immediate preparation of a comprehensive and effective strategy consisting of practical measures for the organized management and profitable commercial use of Pakistan Railways (PR). He was presiding over a consultative meeting in Islamabad regarding reforms in Pakistan Railways.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister asserted that taking revolutionary measures to enhance the institutional and administrative performance of Pakistan Railways has been long overdue. He emphasized that the ongoing reforms and transformation of Pakistan Railways into a more profitable institution could enable it to play a vital role in promoting national industry and trade, as well as facilitating investors.

The Prime Minister highlighted that, in light of the significance of Pakistan Railways, the government has initiated a series of revolutionary measures, which are now yielding satisfactory results. A proportionate budget will be allocated for the development projects of Railways in the next year's Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).

He described the integration of Pakistan Railways into an internationally recognized, world-class commercial transport system as an urgent necessity. The Prime Minister underscored that a modern railway system could significantly contribute to economic development and increase national revenue.

Shehbaz Sharif directed the thorough examination of possibilities for the profitable commercial use of railway infrastructure through private partnerships. He mentioned that consultation with private sector experts on the overall development of the economy, industry, trade, and other sectors is part of the government's economic reforms.