ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways ‘Azadi Train’ has received overwhelming response from locals during its initial journey across various railway stations of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Azadi train started its journey as part of 70th Independence Day’ celebrations to create awareness among the masses especially young generation about efforts and sacrifices rendered in creation of the motherland.
During stay at Peshawar, Attock and Nowshera Railway Stations, thousands of people gathered to welcome the beautifully decorated Azadi train.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra, Advisor to Prime Minister Amir Muqam, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Sheikh Aftab, Senior Minister KP Enayatullah, KP Speaker Asad Qaiser and senior officials of Pakistan Railways also visited the train.
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Iqbal Zafar Jhagra appreciated the efforts of the Railways official to make this event a great success. He said, this activity will promote unity among the people belonging to different provinces and help foster soft image of the country.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister welcomed the train at Attock Railway Station, he wrote in his comments that it is wonderful day to see such a beautiful cultural and historical exhibition by Pakistan Railways.
He also appreciated the efforts of all the Railway officials who worked day and night for the preparations to run Azadi train. He said Azadi train is a beautiful gift for the whole nation. During stay at Attock and Nowshera Railway stations, a large number of people were present for the reception of the train. The local people start chanting slogans of ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ when the train crossed various areas.
The resident of Nowshera, Sajid Mir said that the beautifully decorated train with glimpses of country’s national heroes’ sacrifices remind us the great contribution of our forefathers. He said that from early morning people were seen waiting to have a just one glance of this beautiful train. The multi-coloured bogeys of the train depicting culture of the four provinces, FATA, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan are ready to roll out.
Azadi Train had three different parts consisting of six floats, six galleries and six operational vehicles. Six floats will display the cultural traditions of four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK.
Two coaches were reserved for the armed forces to highlight the sacrifices of the war heroes and pay tribute to their services to the nation. Another coach is highlighting different aspects of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and other development projects of the government.
The other coaches, was allocated for the Independence Movement of Kashmir and Ministry of Railways.
Incharge Azadi Train Sajid Bashir Raja said the Azadi Train would stop at all the major stations for three to four hours. The train journey was jointly organized by Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage to mark the Independence Day celebrations. The Azadi Train would cover around 4,000 kilometer distance within a month.
