ISLAMABAD: A Senate Standing Committee on Railways convened at Parliament House under Senator Shahadat Awan, scrutinized the absence of key ministers and addressed several pressing issues within the Pakistan Railways. According to Senate of Pakistan, the meeting acknowledged the successful resumption of the Mohenjo Daro Express and proposed the revival of the Khushal Khan Khattak Express. The committee also recommended upgrading heritage stations and evaluating non-functional stations for restoration.

The committee expressed concerns over the absence of the Minister for Railways and the Minister of State, and Senator Awan directed a formal letter be sent to the Prime Minister addressing this issue. Additionally, officials were reprimanded for incomplete reports on litigation and other incidents. A deadline of 10 days was set for the submission of comprehensive reports on pending cases.

The illegal occupation of 34,763 residential accommodations was another focal point. It was revealed that many quarters were occupied illegally or by unauthorized individuals. The committee directed immediate action, including filing FIRs and evicting illegal occupants. Other issues discussed included the need for improvements in the Law department and journalist travel concessions. The meeting ended with directives for a detailed report from the Ministry of Railways, with certain agenda items deferred due to ministerial absences.