Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Azam Khan Swati has inaugurated the “Christmas Peace Pray Train” as part of Christmas celebrations. Railways Minister also cut the Christmas cake and greeted the Christian community during a ceremony in Lahore on Friday.
Talking to newsmen, he said that purpose of organizing this ceremony was to share the happiness of the Christian community, promoting interfaith harmony and giving message of unity for working jointly for peace and stability. Minister said that minorities who live in Pakistan are enjoying equal rights and freedom. He said that Christmas train will travel from Lahore to Karachi as two additional coaches attached to Allama Iqbal Express by carrying a message of peace and happiness.
On behalf of Prime Minister, Governor of Punjab and all Ministers, he wished Merry Christmas to all Christian community. Railway Minister Azam Swati said that two special coaches along with the Allama Iqbal Express will be run on December 25. The Christmas train will take passengers from Karachi to Lahore, Karachi to Sialkot, and vice versa. One side of the trip, from Karachi to Lahore and Karachi to Silakot will cost you Rs1,600 and Rs1,700, respectively. The Allama Iqbal Express only operates economy class coaches. Normally, the train has eight coaches but after including two more it will comprise a total of 10 coaches. This way, our Christian brothers and sisters will be able to go back home and spend the festivities with their families during the holidays,” Swati remarked.
He added that minorities are the foundation and asset of Pakistan. “The white colour of our national flag denotes minority groups, and it is incomplete without them,” the minister said, adding that this train would serve as a symbol of unity, tranquility, and harmony wherever it would go.
