TOBA TEK SINGH: Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi inaugurated on Wednesday the recently-upgraded and renovated building of the Faisalabad Railway Station.

Talking to the media, he said the waiting lounge seating capacity was more than 500 passengers. He thanked local industrialist Mian Muhammad Idrees and the business community for cooperating in the upgrade of the station.

Abbasi said the Rawalpindi station would also be inaugurated. He claimed that the government was committed to revive all important rail tracks and upgrade railways’ infrastructure.

He said that free Wi-Fi service had also been activated at five major railway stations, including Faisalabad, Lahore, Multan, Karachi and Rawalpindi. He said 500km rail track between Karachi and Rohri was also being upgraded.

He said during the last eight months a record number of development had been taken in hand. He said the Shalimar Express has been upgraded with all modern facilities.

He said that modern service centres will soon be established for passengers under public-private partnership, while security arrangements are being further strengthened.

He said out of 14 railway schools, three, including one in Karachi and two in Lahore, are being outsourced to provide quality education to the children of railway employees, while 100pc free medical facilities will be provided to the staff in PR hospitals.

MOOT: Government College University Faisalabad organised a two-day International Iqbal Conference titled “Sitaaron Se Aagay Jahan Aur Bhi Hain” to commemorate the Iqbal Day.

Organised by the Urdu department, the event gathered renowned scholars, researchers, academicians, and literary figures from Pakistan and abroad to discuss the message and philosophy of Allama Iqbal.

The inaugural session was presided over by Vice Chancellor Prof Dr. Rauf-i-Azam.

In his address, he emphasised the philosophical and spiritual depth of Iqbal’s thought, hailing him as the intellectual architect and spiritual guide who awakened self-awareness and confidence in the subcontinent’s Muslims.

Dr Rauf highlighted that Iqbal’s concept of the Shaheen (Eagle) symbolises courage, self-reliance and continuous struggle.

Scholars presented various perspectives on Iqbal’s vision.

Published in Dawn, November 6th, 2025