SCCI hails launch of upgraded Awam Express Train from Peshawar

PESHAWAR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th May, 2026) Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) welcomed the launch of upgraded Awam Express Train from Peshawar and called it a good step toward modernization of the Pakistan Railways.

These views were expressed by Chairman SCCI Standing Committee on Dry Port/Railway and senior member of the Chamber’s executive committee Ziaul Haq Sarhadi (Sitara I Imtiaz) after attending inaugural ceremony of the upgraded Awam Express Train at Peshawar Cantt Railway Station here Monday.

He said that Railway was not only a best and cheapest source of traveling, but it was a symbol of the country’s progress, solidarity and integrity. He described transportation as our economic jugular vein.

When the Pakistan Railways systems will be upgraded to flourish our businesses and trade, the Pakistan’s products competitiveness and export in the global market will also improve, Sarhadi remarked.

Chairman, Pakistan Railways Syed Mazhar Ali Shah along with legend cricketer Shahid Afridi's formally inaugurated the upgraded Awam Express Train.

The event was attended by General Manager/CEO, Pakistan Railways Hafeezullah, Divisional Superintendent Peshawar Imran Hayat Khan, representatives of the business community and people from different sectors and walks of life.

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Sarhadi emphasized that it was highly imperative to launch a special cargo train from Peshawar to boost the trade and economic activities.

The SCCI's senior member mentioned about the lack of facilities at the Azakhel Dryport, stating that the dry port was established at 28-acre with cost of Rs. 600 million, but despite the passage of six years, it was not yet made fully functional, that led to enormous difficulties faced by business community. The KP is blessed with abundant of natural resources, especially gems, jewelry, marble, furniture, handicraft, herbals, carpet, tobacco, honey and match industry, but theses all manufacturing products are transported to Karachi through trucks and then exported to many countries after filing Good Declaration (GDs), Sarhadi said.

He said that if the cargo train would run from Azakhel Dryport, these all KP products would dispatch through Pakistan Railways. Similarly, he informed that four industrial estates existed in KP, but the manufacturing products of these factories transported through private trucks after clearing in Karachi port.

The SCCI senior member urged the Federal government and the Ministry of Railways to restore the cargo train from Peshawar, provide facility at Azakhel dryport, revive GITA, safari train and reactivate Railway Advisory Committees.