By Ashrafuddin Pirzada
PESHAWAR: The Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has welcomed the launch of the upgraded Awam express train from Peshawar, describing it as a significant step toward the modernization of Pakistan railways and the promotion of trade and economic activities in the country.
Chairman of the SCCI standing committee on dryport and railway, and senior member of the chamber’s executive committee, Ziaul Haq Sarhadi, expressed these views after attending the inaugural ceremony of the upgraded Awam express at Peshawar cantonment railway station on Monday.
Sarhadi said railways remain one of the most affordable and efficient modes of transportation and serve as a symbol of national progress, unity, and integrity. He termed transportation the “economic jugular vein” of the country, emphasizing that improvements in the railway system would facilitate trade, strengthen businesses, and enhance the global competitiveness of Pakistani products.
The upgraded Awam Express was formally inaugurated by Syed Mazhar Ali Shah, Chairman of Pakistan Railways, alongside former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Khan Afridi.
The ceremony was attended by Hafeezullah, General Manager and CEO of Pakistan Railways, Imran Hayat Khan, representatives of the business community, and members of society.
Highlighting the importance of rail-based freight services, Sarhadi stressed the urgent need for launching a dedicated cargo train from Peshawar to promote trade and industrial activity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He also raised concerns over the lack of facilities at Azakhel dryport, noting that the dry port was established over six years ago on 28 acres of land for Rs600 million, but has yet to become fully operational. As a result, the business community continues to face significant difficulties in transporting and exporting goods.
Sarhadi pointed out that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was rich in natural resources and produces a wide range of exportable products, including gemstones, jewelry, marble, furniture, handicrafts, herbal products, carpets, tobacco, honey, and matchsticks. However, these products were currently transported by road to Karachi for customs clearance and export.
He said that if cargo train services were restored and connected with Azakhel dryport, these products could be transported more efficiently through Pakistan Railways, reducing costs and improving export logistics.
The SCCI leader further noted that the province’s industrial estates also rely heavily on private trucking services to move manufactured goods to Karachi Port for export. A functional rail freight network, he argued, would greatly benefit industries across the province.
Sarhadi urged the federal government and the railways ministry to restore the special cargo train service from Peshawar, provide the required facilities at Azakhel dryport, revive the GITA and Safari Train services, and reactivate railway advisory committees to strengthen coordination between stakeholders and railway authorities.
The SCCI senior officer maintained that an efficient railway network was essential for boosting trade, reducing transportation costs, and supporting Pakistan’s economic growth.
