The Minister has initiated an interest-free loan program for railway porters.
On Tuesday, Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi announced a comprehensive welfare initiative designed to empower porters (coolies) and low-grade employees of Pakistan Railways, as part of extensive structural reforms to revitalize the institution.
During the launch ceremony of the initiative at Lahore Railway Station, the minister stated that the government is dedicated to revitalizing Pakistan Railways through reforms aimed at modernizing operations and reinstating the dignity and rights of its employees.
“We are resolute in our commitment to overhaul the railways and enhance the lives of those who work within it,” Abbasi declared.
The welfare initiative, established via a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Pakistan Railways and Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance, will offer interest-free loans of up to Rs 50,000 to registered porters. Individuals with at least two years of service will qualify, and the loans will be repayable in 20 monthly installments.
A distinctive element of the program is a death coverage benefit: by contributing an additional 1% beyond their monthly payment, porters will be insured under a death insurance plan provided by Pakistan Railways.
Abbasi announced the allocation of Rs 4 million for the welfare of Railway Police constables in Grades 1 to 5, and indicated that porters at major stations, including Rawalpindi, Karachi, Multan, and Khanewal, will benefit from this financial support initiative.
