Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has expressed the confidence that Pakistan will conclude a deal with the International Monetary Fund in a bid to overcome the financial challenges.
Speaking at inaugural ceremony of Greenline train service between Islamabad and Karachi in Islamabad on Friday, the Prime Minister said headway in talks with IMF would help the country address the current economic situation.
The IMF delegation will be visiting Islamabad from 31st of this month to 9th of next month to continue discussions regarding the ninth review of the 7 billion dollars Extended Fund Facility.
The Prime Minister emphasized the adoption of austerity at a massive scale to tackle difficult economic problems.
He said the government has set its priority keeping in view its foreign exchange reserves, thus allowing the import of medicine and food as essential items.
Shehbaz Sharif expressed confidence that with dedication and commitment, the country would soon regain its glory.
He regretted that the Greenline project, which was initiated during the tenure of then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, was delayed by the previous government in a mala fide.
He endorsed the concept of outsourcing Pakistan Railways to make it better equipped and at par with contemporary services.
The Prime Minister said Main Line-1 railway track is a top priority for the government.
The new train service comprising modern coaches imported from China was launched from the Margalla railway station, Islamabad.
The Prime Minister visited various coaches of the train and appreciated the services provided for the travellers to make their journey comfortable.
The Greenline train will have stops at Rawalpindi, Chaklala, Lahore, Khanewal, Bahawalpur, Rohri, Hyderabad and Drigh Road, Karachi stations.
The turnaround time of the Greenline is set at 22 hours, which will be reduced gradually.
Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafiq said the ticket would cover breakfast, lunch, hi-tea, and dinner besides wifi.
He said high-quality bedding and utility kits will also be provided to the passengers.
He said around 2,200 passengers would benefit from the train service to be run between Islamabad and Karachi.
