Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Reza Amiri Moghaddam Thursday called on Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi here.
Iranian Commercial Counsellor, Ms. Kamali Moghaddam also attended the meeting, said a news release. The meeting focused on strengthening Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations, enhancing political, economic and trade cooperation, and appreciating the sustained goodwill between the two countries.
Both the sides expressed gratitude over the positive engagement and mutual support.
During the meeting, both parties agreed to resume the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) Train within this year, a key step towards revitalizing regional connectivity and boosting cross-border trade.
Hanif Abbasi emphasized the importance of increasing Pakistan-Iran trade volumes and enhancing mutual imports and exports.
He said that enhanced trade will significantly contribute to railway revenue and support Pakistan’s national economy. “In line with the Prime Minister’s vision, strengthening regional connectivity and linking the region through rail networks remains our top priority,” the minister added.
The Ambassador extended an invitation to the Minister for an official visit to Iran.
The minister warmly accepted the invitation, saying “It will be an honor for me to visit Iran and perform the sacred Ziyarat.”
Hanif Abbasi said that reviewing the Iranian railway system will also be part of his agenda during the visit, with a view to exploring avenues for modern, efficient, and expanded rail connectivity across the region.
Outsourcing PR schools
Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi on Thursday said that the outsourcing of Pakistan Railways (PR) schools marks a major stride toward promoting modern and quality education.
The minister made these remarks at a signing ceremony held under his supervision, during which three major railway schools were formally outsourced, said a news release.
Under the agreement, Railway Boys & Girls School Karachi has been handed over to TYMS Education System, while Railway Girls High School Mughalpura Lahore and Railway Girls Saint Andrews School/College Lahore have been transferred to SAGE/DAGE Education Pvt. Ltd.
The Karachi agreements were signed by Tayyab Mirza, and the Lahore agreements by Dr. Nasir Mahmood.
The initiative is part of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision to modernize educational institutions across the country.
It also ensures the protection of the rights of railway employees and their children.
Under the arrangement, the private partners will introduce a modern curriculum, advanced teaching methodologies, an upgraded examination system, fully equipped science and computer laboratories, sports facilities, and renovated school buildings.
The program also includes structural improvements and the construction of additional classrooms to meet growing academic needs.
“The future of railway employees’ children is now in safe hands, and this initiative represents an important step towards a bright and promising future,” said Hanif Abbasi.
With the successful outsourcing of the three schools in Karachi and Lahore, Pakistan Railways is moving steadily toward transforming its educational institutions into modern, high-standard, and self-sustaining centers of excellence.