Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Railways, chaired by Senator Shahadat Awan, convened at the Parliament House to discuss strategic advancements in railway infrastructure, focusing on the ML-I project and other key initiatives. The meeting emphasized transparency in project funding and coordination with international financial institutions, alongside recommending measures to address illegal encroachments and optimize railway assets.

According to Senate of Pakistan, Senators Dost Ali Jeesar and Nasir Mehmood Butt, along with senior ministry officials, participated in the session. The Committee urged the Ministry to present a detailed briefing on actions against illegal encroachments on railway land in Karachi, following Supreme Court orders. A report on the misappropriation of railway materials and the progress of related FIRs was also requested. On financial matters, the Committee noted the generation of an additional Rs. 5,911.82 million over five years through outsourcing practices, including luggage vans, and recommended exploring leasing opportunities for railway properties near dry ports.

Significant infrastructure updates were discussed, such as the approval of a Rs. 9,725 million project to secure unmanned level crossings in Punjab and Sindh, and ongoing efforts to resolve lease disputes. The Committee concluded by questioning a public notice restricting the use of railway premises for media purposes, citing potential breaches of constitutional rights.