Islamabad: The Standing Committee on Railways convened at Parliament House, Islamabad, under the chairmanship of Rai Hassan Nawaz Khan, MNA. A Sub-Committee was formed to investigate audio leak reports involving the current Divisional Superintendent of Pakistan Railways in Karachi and the CEO of Pakistan Railways. The Sub-Committee, led by Mr. Shafqat Abbas and comprising Mr. Ibrar Ahmad, Mr. Sadiq Ali Memon, and Syed Waseem Hussain, MNAs, is expected to submit its findings within thirty days.
During the meeting, the Committee reviewed a report presented by the Commissioner of Dera Ghazi Khan Division concerning land in Mouza Sonaki, Muzaffargarh. The Committee did not accept the report and decided to summon the Senior Member of the Board of Revenue, Punjab, along with the Commissioner, to resolve the issue of restoring the land title to Pakistan Railways.
Addressing the provision of clean drinking water at railway stations, the Minister for Railways informed the Committee that water filtration plants and coolers had been installed at major stations, with plans to expand this initiative further. He also stated that food quality at stations was being monitored daily and that janitorial services had been outsourced to professional waste management companies.
The Committee inquired about the winding-up of three State-Owned Enterprises—RAILCOP, PRACS, and PRFTC. The Minister explained that the closures were in line with the Federal Government’s right-sizing policy, as their functions were being performed internally by Pakistan Railways. The Committee recommended reassigning experienced personnel from these entities within the railway system.
On the matter of Shalimar Hospital, Lahore, the Committee was informed by Pakistan Railways’ legal advisor that a petition filed in April 2025 had been rejected by the Additional Attorney General. The Committee suggested that the matter be resubmitted to the Attorney General for review by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, as the dispute remains unresolved with the Punjab Government.
The Minister for Railways shared that railway rest houses are being outsourced to reputable firms for better utilization. Regarding Royal Palm Golf and Country Club, Lahore, it was noted that the Supreme Court is overseeing the leasing process. A pre-bid meeting was held in April 2025 with 16 firms participating; the bids are scheduled to be opened on July 22, 2025.
In response to concerns about the discontinuation of landline inquiry desks at stations, the Secretary of the Railway Board stated that new 117 Call Centers, meeting international standards, are being launched this month. On freight services, the CEO of Pakistan Railways noted that they currently handle 5–8% of national freight. The Committee advised improvements, and the Minister assured that outsourcing and interest from multinational firms would lead to significant enhancement.
Regarding the ML-1 project, the Minister revealed that the Chief Minister of Punjab has shown willingness to invest Rs. 350 billion for the upgradation and dualization of railway tracks within the province. The Committee also expressed concern over 47 Pakistan Railways officers reportedly residing abroad while still receiving salaries and incentives. The Minister stated these cases are under review, and a detailed report will be presented at the next meeting.
Finally, the Committee recommended repairs to the Red Bridge over the Kabul River in Nowshera Kalan, especially the pedestrian walkway. The meeting was attended by several MNAs both in person and via Zoom, including special invitees, the Minister for Railways, and senior officials from the Ministry and Pakistan Railways.
