Pakistan Railways announces ‘massive reduction’ in fares on Eid

In an effort to facilitate commuters, Pakistan Railways (PR) has announced a 25% reduction in fares as a special package on the auspicious occasion of Eid ul Fitr.

In a statement, the PR said, “Railway fares will be reduced by 25% for the first three days of Eid-ul-Fitr.”

This discount will be available on all train types and classes. The discount, however, will not be applicable on special Eid trains, the PR spokesperson clarified.

Last week, PR issued instructions to all Railway police inspectors to enhance security measures in trains as well as stations to avoid any untoward incident during Eid days.

The department has directed all SP Railways to provide adequate strength at exit and entry points of all railway stations and strict surveillance for suspicious persons, a ministry official said.

The Pakistan Railway Police Commando Force will be deployed at vulnerable facilities and on trains, while bomb disposal personnel will also remain alert to search luggage and passengers at railway stations.

“SPs Railways has asked to carry out a complete inspection and search of the empty rakes before the trains reach the platforms for departure to their destinations,” the official added.

Nation will celebrate Eid tomorrow

Earlier in the evening, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announced the sighting of the Shawwal Moon in the country, which means the first day of Eid ul Fitr will fall on Wednesday.

The announcement was made by the President of the apex moon observation body Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad after a meeting in Islamabad.

Addressing a reporter in Islamabad, the commission chief said the decision was taken based on the testimonies received from different parts of the country.

Apart from the members of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, officials of the meteorology department, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) and the Ministry of Science and Technology also attended the central moon sighting committee.