Pakistan Railways (PR) has resumed container train service from Karachi to Lahore bringing an end to the 22-year suspension on Monday. With 70 containers, the train left Pakistan International Container Terminal (PICT), Karachi Port Trust (KPT). Federal Minister for Railways Shaikh Rasheed Ahmad inaugurated the ceremony. Divisional Superintendent (DS) Syed Mazhar Ali Shah, chairman Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Divisional Commercial Officer (DCO) Ishaq Baloch and other officials of KPT and PICT were also present.

Now, the Pakistan Railways will be able to earn annual revenue of around Rs 42 million through operation of this train service. "The train has been resumed after 22 years of suspension. Each trip will generate revenue of Rs 3.5 million," DCO told Business Recorder.

Meanwhile, the Railways Minister convened a meeting on Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) where the concerned departments were directed to implement the orders of the Supreme Court, in this regard. Provision of alternate locations to those affected by KCR project came under consideration. Sheikh Rashid estimated that some 25 acre of land has been encroached along KCR tracks. Around 14 acre has been retrieved during the ongoing anti-encroachment operation. The remaining portion of land will be recovered within the SC's given timeframe.

The minister vowed to extend all out cooperation with the Pakistan People's Party-led (PPP) Sindh government for completion of the KCR. Later, the he traveled from Karachi City Station to Wazir Mansion in a trolley. Sindh Chief Secretary, Karachi Mayor Waseem Akhtar, DC Railways accompanied him.