Lahore-Karachi train service suspended due to floods: Kh Saad

Minister of Railways and Aviation Khawaja Saad Rafiq Friday announced to suspend Lahore-Karachi train service due to torrential rains and flooding, reported 24 News HD TV Channel.

Addressing a press conference, Khawaja Saad appealed to the opposition leaders to stop the political war temporarily and deal with the national calamity that claimed hundreds of precious lives and destroyed infrastructure worth billions of dollars in the country.

He said that the country received 200 percent more rain than usual which had caused severe flooding in the country. He said the railway track has been submerged in rainwater and there is a danger to passenger trains due to water on the track.  

Minister of Railways said that Prime Minister's visit to Qatar remained fruitful as the Qatar government will invest 3 billion dollars in Pakistan.

“Qatar will provide one lac extra jobs for the Pakistanis. It also expressed its willingness to invest in renewable energy resources and the upgradation of seaports and airports in the country. We have only 11 functional airports and all are in the dire need of renovations. Therefore, we are planning to outsource airports for development. Qatar's investment will increase the innovation and capacity of airports, he added.

He said Qatar is also interested in the upgradation of seaports including Gwadar.  

Dispelling the impression, Khawaja Saad Rafiq said there is no question of selling PIA and airports to Qatar as claimed by the opposition.

Khawaja Saad Rafiq also appealed to the nation to support the people of flood-hit areas and even giving 2 lakh rupees per person to the victims is less in this agonizing situation.