SCCI demands launch of cargo train from Peshawar to Karachi

PESHAWAR: The Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) on Friday demanded the launch of a special cargo train from Peshawar to Karachi, the functioning of Azakhel dry port and speeding up clearance of export-laden goods vehicles.

SCCI president Fazal Moqeem Khan and Chairman of the Chamber Standing Committee on Railway and Dry Ports, and senior executive member of the chamber Ziaul Haq Sarhadi made the demand in a joint statement.

They welcomed the launch of Khushal Khan Khattak Express train from Peshawar and termed the move an important step toward improving economic development of the Pakistan Railways.

The SCCI office-bearers added the move would provide better and a cheapest travel facility and services to the business community and people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.They pointed out that the journey of Khushal Khan Khattak Express train was nearly 40 hours from Peshawar to Karachi, which would reach its final destination after passing through various parts of the country.

Keeping in view the long journey of the train, they suggested including an air conditioner or lower AC coach in the Khushal Khan Khattak Express Train to make the trip smooth  and easy.

SCCI officials said transportation of trade of items were being carried out through land routes between Peshawar to Karachi and import, export and Afghan transit, all of them, were going through cargo trucks.

During the recent inauguration of Khushal Khan Khattak Express Train from Peshawar to Karachi, the SCCI raised the issue of non-functionalization of Azakhel dry port and other issues being faced by the business community before Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi and other senior officials.

The office-bearers took the stance that improvement in bilateral trade, export and economic growth would only be possible by providing facilities and resolving issues of the business community.