Ties to normalise soon: minister

Published December 13, 2008

UMERKOT, Dec 12: State Minister for Railways Faqir Jadam Mangrio has said that he is optimistic that the relations between Pakistan and India would normalize soon and trade between the two countries throught Khokhrapar-Monabao border would also start.

He was speaking at a ceremony to rename Hiral railway station to Faqir Turko Mangrio halt near Dhoronaro on Friday.

He announced establishment of railway crossings at Sarhari and Hiral canals, Frush distributary (canal) and at other places in Umerkot district to avoid accidents. On a complaint, he ordered an inquiry into allegations of use of substandard material in the construction of a bridge over Hiral canal. Speaking on the occasion, the PML-F minister said that under the policy of national reconciliation, his party had set aside differences of 40 years and joined hands with the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), which would decrease tension that had developed during the last elections.

During stops of the minister’s special train at Dhoronaro, Sadhar, Hasisar and Soomrasar Halt, people demanded a stopover of Thar Express at Chhor or Khokhrapar and running special passengers trains between Mirpurkhas to Chhor and extending the route of Mehran Express to Chhor.

Mr Mangrio announced that special passenger trains would run between Mirpurkhas and Chhor. He said that stop of Mehran Express at Chhor was under consideration and stops of Thar Express would be considered keeping in view the security.

He ordered opening 10 closed stations between Mirpurkhas and Chhor ensuring the supply of tickets and deploying railway staff at Abdullah Abad, Balochabad, Saindad, Turko Mangrio, Sadhar, Haseesar, Soomrasar, New Chhor, Jalu Jo Chonro, Parchi ji Veri halts.

He said that most of the railway properties were in the possession of land mafia, which would be evacuated soon. He said that presently Pakistan Railways was facing a deficit of Rs2,800 million.

On the occasion, District Nazim Faqir Maghan Mangrio announced dispensary, link road and upgrade of middle school at Faqir Turko halt.

Opinion

Budgeting without people

Budgeting without people

Even though the economy is a critical issue, discussions about it involve a select few who are not really interested in communicating with the people.

Editorial

Iranian tragedy
Updated 21 May, 2024

Iranian tragedy

Due to Iran’s regional and geopolitical influence, the world will be watching the power transition carefully.
Circular debt woes
21 May, 2024

Circular debt woes

THE alleged corruption and ineptitude of the country’s power bureaucracy is proving very costly. New official data...
Reproductive health
21 May, 2024

Reproductive health

IT is naïve to imagine that reproductive healthcare counts in Pakistan, where women from low-income groups and ...
Wheat price crash
Updated 20 May, 2024

Wheat price crash

What the government has done to Punjab’s smallholder wheat growers by staying out of the market amid crashing prices is deplorable.
Afghan corruption
20 May, 2024

Afghan corruption

AMONGST the reasons that the Afghan Taliban marched into Kabul in August 2021 without any resistance to speak of ...
Volleyball triumph
20 May, 2024

Volleyball triumph

IN the last week, while Pakistan’s cricket team savoured a come-from-behind T20 series victory against Ireland,...