Pakistan gains int’l recognition after bringing US, Iran to talks: Abbasi

RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Apr, 2026) Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi on Sunday said Pakistan had earned international recognition as a responsible state committed to promoting sustainable peace after successfully bringing the Islamic Republic of

Iran and the United States to the negotiating table.

He said Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts had helped create conditions for a ceasefire and direct engagement between

the two sides, a development widely viewed as a significant contribution to regional stability.

Speaking to media after inaugurating an upgraded Safari Train rake at the Rawalpindi Railway Station, the minister credited the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for strengthening Pakistan’s role as a facilitator of dialogue.

Abbasi termed the engagement between the United States and Iran a positive step and said Pakistan’s contribution to the process was a matter of national pride. He added that the country was increasingly being recognised globally for its constructive diplomatic role.

Member National Assembly, Tahira Aurangzeb and senior railway officials were also present on the occasion.

Highlighting reforms in Pakistan Railways, the minister said a comprehensive programme was under way to transform the department into a modern, efficient and passenger-friendly system. He said services, including the Safari Train, were being upgraded in line with international standards.

He said the Safari Train had been converted into a tourism-oriented service, offering facilities such as air-conditioned coaches, improved seating and better arrangements for families.

Abbasi said the train included scheduled stopovers along the route, with extended stays and meal facilities at destinations such as Attock Khurd, contributing to its growing popularity.

Increasing occupancy, he added, reflected rising public confidence in rail services.

He said efforts were also being made to improve institutional performance by ensuring the presence of railway officers in the field, while acknowledging the role of workers in maintaining operations under challenging conditions.

The minister said reforms in mechanical, braking and locomotive systems were under way, alongside the introduction of an effective maintenance mechanism. The overall upgradation programme, he added, was targeted for completion by December 2026, with major infrastructure projects expected to be launched in early September.

Abbasi said progress was under way on railway infrastructure projects worth around $2 billion aimed at system-wide improvement. He added that measures were being taken to reduce travel time between Lahore and Karachi by five hours, while track upgradation in Lahore Division was nearing completion at an estimated cost of Rs250 billion.

He said a plan to operate diesel multiple unit (DMU) trains on nine routes was being advanced with the support of the Punjab Government, while joint venture models were also being explored with provincial governments.

Praising Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, he said development projects had gained momentum under her leadership. He added that, in collaboration with the Sindh Government, upgradation of Rohri Junction would soon begin to modernise the historic railway hub.

Abbasi reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming Pakistan Railways into a modern, efficient and public-friendly institution to ensure long-term improvement in the country’s transport sector.