By: Ahmed Shamsur Rehman/ANI
ISLAMABAD –A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Railways was held at Parliament House under the convenership of Senator Shahadat Awan, where the committee raised serious concerns over various issues affecting the Pakistan Railways system and directed the Ministry to submit comprehensive reports on several matters.
Senators Kamil Ali Agha, Bushra Anjum Butt and Dost Ali Jeesar attended the meeting along with the Secretary Railway Board, CEO/Federal Government Inspector of Railways, Inspector General Railways, Deputy Superintendents from Lahore, Karachi and Sukkur, Legal Advisor and other concerned officials.
The committee acknowledged the successful resumption of the Mohenjo Daro Express and discussed a proposal for restoration of the Khushal Khan Khattak Express, which operates between Peshawar and Karachi.
Members also recommended the development and upgrading of key heritage railway stations, including Ranipur Court Railway Station, to improve accessibility and promote tourism. The committee further stressed that non-functional railway stations across the country should be evaluated for possible restoration.
The committee expressed concern over the repeated absence of the Minister for Railways and Minister of State from Senate Standing Committee meetings. Senator Shahadat Awan directed that a formal letter be written to the Prime Minister regarding the absence of the ministers and stressed the importance of the Senate committee's proceedings.
The committee also reprimanded railway officials for submitting incomplete reports concerning pending litigation, theft, alleged misappropriation, track damage and freight losses. It noted that several lower-court cases, including criminal cases and matters involving theft and missing track infrastructure, had not been included in the reports.
Senator Shahadat Awan gave the Ministry of Railways 10 days to submit a comprehensive and updated report covering all pending cases before judicial forums.
The committee was also informed that some cases filed by the ministry had remained pending for extended periods, including cases dating back to 2018. Members further observed discrepancies in the ministry's data, noting that some cases listed as pending had already been disposed of by the courts.
The committee chairman also questioned the working mechanism and strength of the Railway Law Department. The Secretary Railways informed the committee that around 300 officers and officials were working in the department, adding that the existing strength was insufficient and the system required improvement.
The committee expressed serious concern over unauthorized occupation of Pakistan Railways' residential accommodations. Senator Shahadat Awan stated that out of 34,763 residential accommodations, 2,323 quarters were illegally occupied, while 1,732 were reportedly occupied by individuals having no connection with Pakistan Railways. He further stated that 321 quarters were occupied by unauthorized persons with no clear association and 209 were occupied by retired railway employees.
Inspector General Railways briefed the committee that a survey conducted two months earlier had identified 1,087 quarters sub-let by authorized or former occupants, 804 illegally allocated quarters, 236 quarters allegedly being used for illegal activities and 27 quarters being used for commercial purposes, including water filtration plants.
The committee raised concerns over the use of electricity, water and sewage facilities by unauthorized occupants, with Senator Shahadat Awan observing that railway resources continued to bear the associated costs.
Members also pointed out that legitimate railway employees waiting for official accommodation were being deprived of housing despite the availability of infrastructure and residential facilities.
The committee directed the Inspector General Railways to register FIRs against illegal occupants, initiate eviction proceedings and ensure that the quarters were handed back to the railway administration.
Senator Kamil Ali Agha also raised the issue of travel concessions for journalists. The CEO informed the committee that the matter would be dealt with by the relevant public relations wing responsible for journalists' affairs and that an update would subsequently be provided to the committee.
Agenda items III and IV were deferred due to the absence of the Minister for Railways and Minister of State.
The committee directed the Ministry of Railways to submit its comprehensive brief and recommendations within the stipulated timeframe.
