Islamabad: The Standing Committee on Railways convened for its sixth meeting at Parliament House, focusing on critical issues including land encroachment, financial discrepancies, and the progress of the Main Line (ML-1) project. Chaired by Rai Hassan Nawaz Khan, MNA, the committee also emphasized the need for improved security and recruitment processes within Pakistan Railways.

According to a statement by National Assembly of Pakistan, the session began with discussions on the unauthorized use of 416 Kanals of Pakistan Railways land by the District Government Muzaffargarh at the Chanab West Bank Station Yard. The land, occupied since 1991 for a park, is currently subject to unauthorized auctioning. The Ministry of Railways has filed a petition in the High Court to contest the auction and seek a transfer of the land back to the railway authority. The committee urged the ministry to resolve the matter with the district government, cautioning that officials would be summoned if no progress is made.

The committee also scrutinized a reported Rs. 12.49 billion loss in the railways, highlighted in audit documents for the fiscal year 2021-22. The committee clarified that the figure represented potential, not actual, losses due to non-leasing issues, and requested a detailed briefing on all related audit findings in a future meeting.

Discussion then turned to the ML-1 project, a significant railway initiative. The Secretary of the Ministry of Railways reported that Chinese experts are expected to visit Pakistan soon, at which point the project’s financial plan will be finalized. Prompt commencement of work was urged by the committee, alongside repairs to other railway tracks.

The committee further addressed security measures at railway stations and the recruitment process for railway police constables. Recommendations included merit-based hiring aligned with federal quotas and the installation and repair of security infrastructure. The absence of the Minister concerned in committee meetings was also noted with concern.

The meeting was attended by several members of the National Assembly and senior railway officials, reflecting the importance of the issues discussed.