Islamabad, March 13 (TNS): Managing Director Jang Group and President All Pakistan newspapers Society (APNS) Syed Sarmad Ali, Chairman All Pakistan newspapers and Editors Forum (APNEF) and CEO Times Group of Publications Rana Imran Latif, President (APNEF) and Chief Editor Global Affairs Chaudhry Shahzad Akhatar visited historic Golra Railway Museum, located on the outskirts of Islamabad.
The Museum welcomes visitors with its panoramic view of old banyan trees, steam engines, a small Victorian-style building and serene environment.
The group of senior journalists also paid visit to railway museum where Assistant Station Manager Zaheer Abbas briefed them about history of railway station and museum which showcases some antique and historical instruments used in pre-partition era in British-India.
Assistant Station Manager Zaheer Abbas told senior journalists that Golra Sharif Railway Station was established in 1881 and upgraded to a junction in 1912, it has been used by the residents of Rawalpindi and the surrounding villages for over a century.
He said that Golra Sharif Junction railway station lies on the main line of the Pakistan Railways which connects the rest of the country in the south including Mianwali, Kundian, Bhakar, Kot Addu, Multan and beyond. In north it connected with Peshawar. More than 20 trains pass through this station every day.
He said that the museum adjoined with Golra Railway Station provides a glimpse into the past.
Mazhar Abbas said that the museum was established in October 2003, which is truly one of its kind. Not limited to a closed hall, it includes old locomotive trains, steam engines, and lifters stationed at the platform attract the visitors and take them back to past.
According to Mazhar Abbas, between dozens people visit on weekdays while weekends are busier, with the number rising to a hundred people.
In Museum, there are displayed many antique items including wooden rolling pin which was used in kitchens of luxury trains during colonial period, the electric heater which is claimed to be in personal use of the last Viceroy of India, Lord Mountbatten and electric fans which were used in railway offices.
A model of a broad-gauge steam engine is displayed in the museum; the original broad-gauge steam engine is also parked at the platform of Golra Sharif Railway Station.
The museum also displayed a colonial period telephone which was used in railway stations and trains for communication.
On occasion, Managing Directorate Jang Group and President All Pakistan newspaper Society (APNS) Sarmad Ali talked to TNS.
