Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan on Saturday reaffirmed the commitment to continue development projects and uphold the respect of martyrs and the Pakistan Armed Forces.
He was addressing a public reception held at Khudian Khas Railway Station to mark the restoration of the Bulleh Shah Passenger Train after a gap of 16 years. Thousands of residents attended the event, which was also attended by Minister of State Malik Rashid Ahmad Khan, MPA and PEMRA Chairman Malik Saeed Ahmad Khan and other political and social figures.
Malik Saeed Ahmad Khan said the restoration of the train service fulfilled a longstanding demand of the people and appreciated the efforts of the government and railway authorities in making it possible. He said the people of Khudian Khas had always stood with the armed forces and paid tribute to the sacrifices of the martyrs.
Minister of State Malik Rashid Ahmad Khan said the train service was restored within three months through the efforts of the government and Federal Minister for Railways. He announced that the number of coaches would be increased from 10 to 12 to facilitate passengers.
The PA Speaker said modern communication had a significant impact on public opinion and stressed that no compromise would be made on the honour of martyrs and national institutions. He said any attempt to undermine the sacrifices of the armed forces was against the national interest.
Highlighting development initiatives, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan said Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif had allocated funds for the uplift of Khudian Khas and adjoining areas, with focus on roads, education, public services and welfare projects.
The ceremony concluded with the arrival of the Bulleh Shah Passenger Train at Khudian Khas Railway Station, where it received a warm welcome from residents.