TOBA TEK SINGH, Dec 10: Federal Railways Minister Mian Shamim Haider has said the raise in fares is unavoidable after increase in diesel prices for three times by the government. Talking to reporters here on Saturday, the minister said the proposed raise in fares was under consideration.

He claimed that the railways was bearing Rs1,350 million loss annually and steps were being taken to give railways to the private sector.

In the next financial year, he said, the remaining portion of the double track between Lahore and Karachi would be completed. The minister also inspected the local railway station and ensured citizens for the provision of more facilities there.

He also visited residences of District Nazim Chaudhry Abdul Sattar and former district nazim Chaudhry Muhammad Ashfaq.

Besides, the minister also attended the wedding ceremony of the daughter of former tehsil nazim Chaudhry Muhammad Rafiq. He also met there with Punjab Forest Minister Dr Ashfaqur Rehman, MNA Farhan Latif and MPA Liaquat Ali Shaukat.