KARACHI, Aug 30: Tributes were paid to Madar-i-Millat Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah through a warm welcome accorded to “Madar-i-Millat Train” when it steamed into Landhi Railway Station at 7.30am on Saturday.

The train had left Rawalpindi Station on Aug 14. It stopped at a number of railway stations and finally reached Peshawar on Aug 16. Thereafter, the train left on its 17-day journey to Karachi.

It stopped at various railway stations while crossing NWFP and Punjab provinces enabling millions of people to visit the on- train floats and exhibition on Madar-i-Millat.

As the train entered into Karachi and reached Landhi Railway Station, thousands of men, women and students, carrying national flags, welcomed the train. For the occasion, a colourful programme was organized by the Radio Pakistan, Karachi. People from all walks of life attended the programme and were enthralled by the artists, who sung national songs.

The nine-coach train has six bogies, carrying floats and an exhibition on Madar-i-Millat Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah’s life. The visitors, especially the women and students, evinced keen interest in the floats and exhibits.

After a few hours stay at Landhi station, the train moved towards Karachi City Station at 5pm.

To facilitate maximum visitors, Divisional Superintendent Israr Alvi said that the train would stay on the Circular Railway tracks. The PTV had also planned a colourful programme for the occasion after arrival of the train, he added.

The train will remain there till Sunday evening, when it will leave for its last leg of journey to Quetta. All Pakistan journey of the Madar-i-Millat train will culminate at Quetta station on Sept 11. — APP