KEY POINTS
- PM Sharif announced Pakistan and China are advancing into Phase II of CPEC with strong developmental coordination
- He emphasised Pakistan also strengthening diplomatic and economic relations with the United States
- The newly launched Pak Business Express offers luxury travel between Lahore and Karachi in 18.5 hours
- The high-tech train features 28 modern coaches, Wi-Fi, digital ticketing, and international-standard amenities for all passengers
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said that Pakistan and China are advancing into “new avenues of development” with robust coordination for the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Speaking at the launch of the Pak Business Express train service in Lahore, PM Sharif described Pakistan-China ties as a cornerstone for regional growth.
The Prime Minister also emphasised Pakistan’s parallel efforts to rebuild and enhance relations with the United States, adding a diplomatic dimension to Pakistan’s economic and infrastructural revival.
Pak Business Express
In a ceremony that marked more than just a ribbon-cutting, PM Sharif launched the Pak Business Express — a high-tech, luxury train service that bridges Lahore and Karachi in 18 hours and 30 minutes.
The train, the Prime Minister said, is “not just for the elite, but a symbol of equal access to modern comfort for all citizens.”
Operated under Pakistan Railways, the train blends European-style elegance with cutting-edge technology:
- 28 digitally enhanced coaches
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- International-standard dining car
- Digitized ticketing system
- Modern passenger lounges and reception facilities
With an economy-class fare of Rs 5,100, the train is set to make luxury travel more accessible to the common man.
Lahore Station Reimagined
During his visit, the Prime Minister toured the newly upgraded Lahore Railway Station, inspecting the transformed passenger lounges and modern reception desk.
He expressed “immense satisfaction” at the visible progress Pakistan Railways is making, calling it “a positive shift toward modernization.”
Railways on the Fast Track
Officials said that the Pak Business Express is part of a multi-pronged overhaul of the country’s railway system. Alongside the new train, Pakistan Railways is introducing:
- Digital ticketing systems
- Upgraded station infrastructure
- Enhanced onboard services
“This isn’t just a train — it’s a symbol of the future we envision for Pakistan Railways,” said an official from the Ministry of Railways.
The aim, he added, is to redefine public transport in the country with comfort, connectivity, and reliability.
