Politicians should be given respect: Saad Rafique

F.P. Report

LAHORE: Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique said on Saturday that politicians should be given respect as they do have feelings.

Talking to the media after attending a hearing at the Supreme Court Lahore Registry, he said that he was extremely disheartened as politicians have feelings too.

He said that he never remained companion of former dictator General Ziaul Haq, adding that his politics could be opposed but sacrifices of his family for democracy should not be denied.

He said the number of railway passengers was increased by 14,000,000 in 2013 due to efforts of the current administration.

“As many as 1000 coaches have been manufactured in carriage factory and railway officers are now proudly say that they work in the Pakistan Railways,” he remarked.

Saad said the PML-N did not support any confrontation.

“I did my best for the betterment of railways and all employments in railways were made by following merit,” he said.

He said that only those staff was appointed which was important to run the railways, adding it would take 10 to 12 years for improvement in railways.

He said that salaries of the PR police were half of the other police and 60 per cent budget of the railways was spent on salaries and pensions.

He said the PR administration under his supervision, digitalized land record and protected land of billions of rupee.

He said he and railway officers worked hard for the betterment of the department and successfully uplifted the railways.

“Today, the railways is earning Rs 50 billion while  its deficit is Rs 35 billion per annum,” he concluded.