Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said that the digitisation of Pakistan Railways and the provision of modern facilities would play a key role in strengthening the national economy.

He added that the federal government, in collaboration with the Sindh government, would modernise the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) and upgrade railway stations across the province and the country.

The prime minister expressed these views while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the renovated Shalimar Express and the newly upgraded waiting areas and lounges at Karachi Cantt Railway Station during his visit to Karachi.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The prime minister said that soon after assuming office, Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi had worked diligently to modernise the railway system.

Following the revamp of Lahore Railway Station, Karachi Cantt Station has now also been upgraded with contemporary facilities.

He added that all railway stations in the province would be modernised with support from the Sindh government to ensure better travel facilities for passengers.

Shehbaz noted that the Shalimar Express running between Karachi and Lahore has been converted into a fully upgraded train.

He described Karachi as not only the economic hub but also “the heart of Pakistan.”

He reiterated that cooperation with the provincial governments of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan would continue to ensure modernisation across the railway network and help stabilise the economy.