The Senate was informed on Tuesday that ML-1 will be upgraded from Peshawar to Karachi under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Project.
Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid told the house during question hour that this project will see replacement of existing track with new one and the installation of new signaling system.
He said feasibility study is being carried out to revive Peshawar-Torkham rail track. He said the feasibility study will be completed in a period of three months.
Sheikh Rashid said we have increased freight trains from eight to twelve. He said Pakistan Railways is playing a vital role in the transportation of goods across the country. Recently, it has transported imported fertilizer to different parts of the country for the Ministry of Industry and Production. He said other private companies are also approaching Pakistan Railways for the transportation of fertilizer from ports to the upcountry. He said that there is also a plan to lay track at Thar on built operate and transfer basis.
Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Afridi rejected reports that the personnel of Khasadar force and Frontier Constabulary in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are not being provided with salaries.
Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan said the government is considering further enhancing the budget of Frontier Constabulary, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the upcoming fiscal budget.