LAHORE: Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi has said that the government wants to adopt international best practices in public-private collaboration in order to modernise Pakistan Railways (PR), enhance operational efficiency, and create viable investment opportunities for the private sector.

In a meeting with Nishat Group Chairperson Mian Muhammad Mansha here at the PR headquarters on Saturday, he said that PR had been actively working to achieve the targets set by the Prime Minister of Pakistan by opening new avenues for private sector participation in infrastructure development, freight services, and commercial ventures. He emphasised that these initiatives were aimed at strengthening the financial sustainability of PR while simultaneously contributing to national economic growth.

Following the meeting, the minister accompanied Mr Mansha on a visit to various sections of Pakistan Railways Headquarters. He was shown the newly-established conference and monitoring facility, which serves as a central hub for operational oversight and strategic coordination. The Nishat Group chairman was also taken to the Business Facilitation Centre, recently established at the Pakistan Railways Headquarters to provide a dedicated platform for the business community.

On this occasion, Mr Mansha appreciated the efforts undertaken by Mr Abbasi and stated that under his leadership, PR was moving forward on the path of growth and development. He also encouraged investors and members of the business community to explore investment opportunities in PR, noting that this was the right time to invest as the organisation was progressing and opening new avenues for partnership.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to invest in the PR and assured the minister that his group would explore concrete opportunities for collaboration with PR. He was of the view that such partnerships would not only strengthen the revenue base of PR, but would also contribute positively to the economy of Pakistan.

The meeting concluded with a shared understanding on the importance of stronger public-private collaboration to unlock the full potential of PR and position it as a modern, efficient, and investor-friendly national transport institution.

Earlier, the minister while presiding over a meeting of top PR officers sought outsourcing commercial operation of three trains — Awan Express, Allan Iqbal Express and Sukkar Express by June 30 in a bid to improve facilities for passengers and increase the railways passenger revenue.

During the meeting, the minister was given a detailed briefing on the existing facilities available at railway stations and on trains, as well as the measures being planned to further enhance passenger comfort and service standards. He directed authorities for placement of standardised benches at railway stations across the country to ensure uniformity and improved seating facilities for passengers. He also instructed the relevant authorities to outsource cleanliness arrangements at other railway stations on the pattern of Lahore and Karachi, with the aim of ensuring better hygiene and maintenance standards.

The minister also directed that CCTV cameras be installed in Green Line, Shalimar Express and Pak Business Express by April 15 to enhance security and monitoring during train operations.

Later, Advisor to the Chief Minister Punjab, Ali Dar, also called on the Railways minister at the Pakistan Railways Headquarters. During the meeting, the minister briefed the advisor on various PR development projects and ongoing initiatives.

Published in Dawn, March 15th, 2026