PM asks PR officials to change mindset

[Lahore_Real_Estate]

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani told the railway officials on Monday to change their mindset, transform the organisation and improve their performance to become eligible for financial assistance.

Pakistan Railways is among the state-owned entities selected for restructuring by the Cabinet Committee on Restructuring of SOEs.

“Much time has passed and I have yet to see tangible results on ground,” Mr Gilani said during a meeting with officials of the Ministry of Railways and Pakistan Railways. The meeting reviewed progress on implementation of the cabinet committee’s decision.

The prime minister said the government could not afford to throw good money after the bad money because it was facing serious financial challenges.

“In the 21st century, Pakistan needs a railway system that is cheap, efficient, reliable and secure mode of communication,” he said and asked the officials to enhance their operational efficiency and make the PR a profit-making organisation.

He asked Railways Minister Ghulam Ahmad Bilour and Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Sheikh to work out a long-term plan to improve efficiency and financial viability of the railways department.

He said the Pakistan Railways should reclaim its old glory to become a preferred means of travelling for the common man. For achieving this goal, he added, PR must undergo ‘total transformation’.

Mr Gilani directed the cabinet committee to finalise restructuring proposals and place them before the cabinet at the earliest, adding that the proposals should have a clear and doable roadmap with timelines and specific targets.

In the meantime, he said, the PR should put its house in order and begin work on improving its management. He said the PR must focus on reducing operating costs by introducing innovation to increase earnings.

Mr Bilour apprised the prime minister of the steps taken to implement the cabinet committee’s decisions. He said the PR was facing serious problems due to shortage of locomotives.