Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, speaking at the “Meet the Press” event at the Lahore Press Club, credited Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership for elevating Pakistan’s global standing and driving economic progress.

Abbasi praised Pakistan’s diplomatic success, claiming the Pakistan Air Force shot down five Indian planes, a feat acknowledged by the U.S. President, bolstering Pakistan’s international prestige.

He emphasized national unity against India’s alleged proxy wars in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, noting support from allies like China and Turkey. “Pakistan stands tall, while India mourns its losses,” he declared, referencing the recent conflict in May 2025.

On railway reforms, Abbasi announced the outsourcing of cleaning services at Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore stations, with the Rawalpindi Waste Management Company reducing train cleaning times.

The Punjab Information Technology Board is installing free Wi-Fi at 40 stations, starting with Lahore, and ATMs are now operational at 348 stations.

A 105-km track for Thar coal transport will be completed by April 30, 2026, cutting electricity costs from Rs. 15 to Rs. 4.5 per unit.

Progress on the Reko Diq mines and an 850-km Kohat-to-Uzbekistan rail link, with Afghanistan ensuring security, was also noted.

The minister detailed infrastructure upgrades, including a Rs. 50 billion allocation from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to reduce Lahore-Rawalpindi travel time to under three hours.

The Rohri-Karachi track upgrade is nearing agreement, and solar panels are being installed at 155 stations.

The Jaffar Express and other trains like the Khushal Khan Khattak Express have been restored, with new Wi-Fi-equipped coaches under production. A strict crackdown on ticketless travel was also announced.

Abbasi addressed employee issues, recalling staff on deputation or long leave and reassigning those working in officers’ homes to regular duties.

He emphasized sports promotion, planning to collaborate with the Punjab Sports Board for a railway sports complex, and extended the “Suthra Punjab” cleanliness initiative to railway colonies.

Reflecting on his 25-year imprisonment, Abbasi vowed never to speak against Pakistan, contrasting his stance with “abusive politics” by others.

He credited government policies for reducing inflation and strengthening the economy, with actions underway against those exploiting national resources