KARACHI (DNA) – President Dr Arif Alvi on Wednesday underscored the need for inclusion of private sector for development of Pakistan Railways.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of Dhabeji Express in Karachi today, Alvi said during his recent visit to Turkey, the Turkish private sector showed a great interest in the private public ventures with Pakistan.

He said a number of aspects of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) were related with Pakistan Railways. “We need to work harder for the development of the department,” he added.

The president asked Railway Minister Sheikh Rasheed, who will accompany Prime Minister Imran Khan on his visit to China, to deliberate on new railway initiatives.

Earlier in his address, Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed reiterated his pledge to rid the department of debt. “The train is a gift of Prime Minister Imran Khan for the labourers,” he said.

“A new tracking system is being introduced in Railways that would help lessen the misuse of oil in railways,” he added.