PM directs emergency measures to ensure safe train travel

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed the urgent implementation of reforms in infrastructure, curriculum, teachers' training and other areas in all government schools in Islamabad, ordering the resolution of issues facing the institutions within a week. Chairing a high-level meeting on reforms in the federal capital's government schools, the prime minister directed Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal to ensure that the issues were resolved within the stipulated timeframe. The prime minister directed the authorities concerned to mobilise all available resources to address infrastructure-related problems on an emergency basis, stressing that providing students with a safe learning environment was the government's responsibility. He also directed the activation of a free lunch programme in government schools to ensure proper nutrition for students. Emphasising improvements in teaching and learning facilities, the prime minister ordered the installation of smart boards in all government schools at the earliest. He also directed the formulation of a strategy to transform the Federal Directorate of Education into an effective and efficient institution. The prime minister stressed that teachers in government schools should focus exclusively on teaching and educational activities and should not be assigned other tasks. He further directed that recruitment of teachers be carried out strictly on merit. To improve students' access to education, the prime minister called for expanding the government school bus service. He also directed the outsourcing of bus services for student transportation, along with third-party validation. The prime minister instructed the authorities to promote solarisation in government schools and ensure that ramps were installed in all institutions to facilitate students with physical disabilities. He also called for the provision of quality medical facilities in government schools. During the meeting, officials presented a survey report on the curriculum, infrastructure and other matters concerning government schools in the federal capital, conducted in accordance with the prime minister's directions issued in September 2026. The meeting was informed that most government schools in Islamabad had basic facilities, including internet connectivity, clean drinking water and computer laboratories. However, infrastructure-related issues had been identified in some of the schools covered by the survey. The briefing also highlighted the need to empower head teachers and promote innovation in government schools. Officials informed the meeting that 278 government buses were operating across Islamabad to facilitate the transportation of students attending government schools. Moreover, Shehbaz Sharif has directed the authorities concerned to take emergency measures to ensure safe and reliable train travel. He issued these directives while talking to Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, who called on him in Islamabad today. The Prime Minister reaffirmed that public relief, reforms and transparency in Pakistan Railways are among the government's top priorities. He also assured him of full support for introducing transformative reforms and revitalizing Pakistan Railways. During the meeting, overall administrative and financial matters, as well as reforms in the Ministry of Railways, came under detailed discussion. Hanif Abbasi briefed the Prime Minister on the performance of Pakistan Railways and the progress of ongoing development projects. The two sides also exchanged views on key measures to improve freight services and provide modern facilities to passengers. Meanwhile, Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed the Ministry of Housing and Works to ensure the timely completion of residential projects with full transparency. He also stressed the need to maintain high quality standards in all housing projects. The prime minister issued these directives during a meeting with Minister for Housing and Works Riaz Hussain Pirzada, who called on him at the Prime Minister House. During the meeting, they discussed in detail matters related to the ministry and its ongoing development projects. Minister Pirzada briefed the prime minister on the progress of ongoing housing schemes.