RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said that the government had decided to suspend 12 trains from Sunday amid fear of coronavirus spread.

He however expressed possibility that in case the threat persists, more trains will also be closed down.

Addressing a news conference in Islamabad on Thursday, he said 20 more trains will be closed from 1st of the next month as a precautionary measure against the global pandemic.

He said the government has completed all arrangements for reducing rush of passengers and improved cleanliness at Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Lahore and Karachi Railways stations.

The minister said screening of all the passengers is also being ensured at the railways stations.

Sheikh Rashid also said that from 22nd March, 12 operations of 12 trains will be suspended.

However, a meeting is also scheduled on 25th March that will review the plan to suspend 20 more trains.

He said that the Prime Minister is fully aware of the situation.

He said that the cleaning systems have been improved at all railway stations.