PESHAWAR: Pakistan Railways Peshawar Division has taken initiatives to attract industrial enterprises to its freight services, with Cherat Cement Factory expressing interest in transporting coal from Karachi Port and distributing cement to major cities across the country by rail.

The development follows directives from Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi to promote freight transportation through the railway network.

According to a statement issued here on Thursday a delegation comprising retired Major Arshad and Wahid Islam Afridi of Cherat Cement Factory met Divisional Superintendent of Railways Peshawar Imran Hayat in his office to discuss the potential use of railway services for transporting industrial raw materials and finished products.

During the meeting, the delegation expressed interest in initiating coal transportation from Karachi Port to the factory by rail. The two sides also discussed the possibility of using a joint rail operation to transport cement produced at the factory to major cities across the country.

Mr Hayat said Pakistan Railways was working to improve its freight services and provide reliable transportation facilities to industrial enterprises. He said greater cooperation with the industrial sector could help expand freight operations, increase railway revenue and support economic and industrial activities.

The proposed arrangement is expected to facilitate the transportation of bulk commodities, reduce pressure on roads from heavy goods vehicles and improve logistics for the industrial sector.

The meeting agreed to pursue further discussions on operational arrangements and related matters to facilitate the proposed transportation services in line with the factory’s requirements.

Published in Dawn, October 16th, 2026