LAHORE, Jan 22: Federal Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad said on Monday that Pakistan intended to participate in tendering process for laying down Jeddah-Makkah-Madina rail track in Saudi Arabia.

Speaking at the inaugural session of a teachers’ training programme here at Railways Lady Griffin Girls High School, the minister called for taking immediate measures to impart technical training to PR workforce so as to overcome skilled labour shortage feared in the near future.

He said Saudi Arabia would require trained Muslim staff for laying down the track, which could create shortage of skilled and technical staff in the PR. He said skilled Muslim staff was only available in Pakistan and Turkey.

He said Libya and Algeria were also planning new rail tracks for which they would also require technical staff.

He pledged to bring the salaries of PR schools’ teachers on par with those working under the Punjab government within next five to six months.

Meanwhile, talking to newsmen, Sheikh Rashid said PR had planned another fast train to be launched on March 23, this year. Besides, two cargo trains would also be run from Badami Bagh to Karachi so that they could cater to the needs of industry located in and around the area, he added.

He said the inspection of five major railway bridges was underway, while modern machinery was being imported to assess the quality and life of these structures.

About Charter of Democracy, he said it was nothing more than a drama, while the signatories themselves were uncertain about its fate.—APP