Federal Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed has announced that passengers train operations in the country would remain suspended amid rising cases of coronavirus.
Addressing a press conference today (Monday), Sheikh Rasheed said that earlier it was decided to resume operation from April 1, however, Prime Minister Imran Khan refused the decisions, adding that the train services for passengers will remain suspended till further orders.
Sheikh Rasheed also clarified that the operations of freight train would continue as per schedule in order to ensure smooth supply of essential commodities across the country.
The federal minister further announced that Railway Ministry has also made arrangements for quarantine centres at 570 railway stations, adding that with the help of Almighty Allah Pakistan would successfully defeat the novel coronavirus.
Sheikh Rasheed also announced that seven railway hospitals will also be dedicated for treating coronavirus patients, adding that 50-bed quarantine would be established at a train while a railway hospital having capacity to accommodate 450 patients will also treat the virus patients in Rawalpindi.
Commenting on the cabinet meeting, Sheikh Rasheed said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has summoned federal cabinet meeting tomorrow (Tuesday) and the meeting would make key decisions including provision of funds for ration through Ehsas programme.
Responding to a query, Sheikh Rasheed rejected any chance of curfew imposition in Pakistan and said that the people of the country should adopt preventive measures on their own.
It is worth mentioning here that on March 24, Pakistan Railways announced the closure of all passenger trains across the country till March 31 in order to contain the spread of coronavirus.
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