PM Imran Khan inaugurates Jinnah Express train

LAHORE: Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that an increase is required for the reduction of pressure from roads, while inaugurating the Jinnah Express train at Lahore Railway Station on Saturday.

"Across the world, a common man uses train and this actually shows the priority of the countries", he stated adding that China was a leading country in terms of train technology and its help would be sought in this regard.

The premier went on to say that Pakistan had a great tourism potential and it was essential to develop trains to promote tourism in the country.

The premier while responding to Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid's request for health cards for railway labourers said unfortunately, prime ministers used to consider themselves kings in the past.

"Being a responsible prime minister of a democratic government, I will not make any announcement before discussing it with the federal finance minister," the PM added.

He further stated that everybody should get health insurance in the country and the government was starting health insurance from a lower level.

Furthermore he said that health cards would support medical treatment up to Rs 720,000 adding: "We have to uplift the deprived segment of society.”

The premier said that Main-Line 1 project would bring about a revolution in railways besides facilitating the people, adding that he would direct the ministry of petroleum to use trains for freight.

The prime minister added that the country would get benefit through improvement in railways and the government would provide all possible support to upgrade its system.

Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar, Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar, Advisor to PM on Political Affairs Naeemul Haq and Provincial Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal were also present at the occasion.