Press Release Title: Senator Shahadat Awan, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Railways presiding over a meeting of the Committee at Parliament Lodges Islamabad

Press Release Date: 27th October, 2026

The Senate Standing Committee on Railways met under the chairmanship of Senator Shahadat Awan at Old PIPS Hall, Parliament Lodges, Islamabad, to review compliance with the recommendations made during its meeting held on October 6, 2026, and to receive a briefing from the Ministry on the existing travel concession facility for journalists provided by Pakistan Railways. The meeting was attended by Senators, Dost Ali Jeesar, Kamil Ali Agha, Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and senior officials from the Ministry of Railways , Pakistan Railway Board and Railways police. At the very outset, the Committee  discussed the status of litigation pertaining to the Ministry. The Chairman stressed the need for an efficient and accessible case management system, observing that all relevant case records should be properly uploaded and readily available. Referring to the substantial number of pending cases, he emphasized that the performance of the concerned legal officers should be assessed and that effective measures should be taken to address the backlog.   Responding to the concerns regarding anti-encroachment measures, the Minister stated that no effort had been spared in addressing illegal encroachments and highlighted the efforts made by the entire Pakistan Railways team to improve the department’s performance. He also acknowledged the support and guidance provided by the Standing Committee in facilitating the department’s work. The Chairman expressed concerns over the discrepancies in the number of cases previously provided to the Committee. Referring to the earlier briefing, he noted that the number of cases had reportedly been fluctuated, with a decrease of  reported, 555 cases in the recently provided list. He stressed that such discrepancies required clarification and that cases must not be left unattended. The Chairman further pointed out that, during the previous meeting, the Committee had specifically sought details regarding theft,  misappropriation and embezzlement cases. However, no relevant information regarding the registration of  FIRs had been submitted to the Committee.  Senator Kamil Ali Agha emphasized the need of comprehensive and updated information regarding all pending cases. He directed that the Ministry should provide a detailed breakdown of all cases, specifying the number of cases pending before each court, their current status, and the latest position in each category. The Committee stressed that complete and accurate information should be submitted to ensure proper monitoring and follow-up of the pending litigation. The Chairman emphasized the need to determine the current status of each pending case and directed that a proper mechanism be established to monitor the progress of cases being handled by the lawyers. He suggested assigning a designated officer to oversee the cases and ensure that their status has been regularly updated. The Chairman expressed serious concern over the performance of Pakistan Railways’ legal department, stating that its internal affairs needed to be properly organized. He observed that the working papers submitted to the Committee were incomplete and stated that such shortcomings reflected either inefficiency or a lack of due diligence. He further noted that the Committee had repeatedly requested the relevant information regarding cases, including matters before the Supreme Court, but the required details had not been provided despite repeated directions.The Chairman committee warned that if the information was not submitted, appropriate action would be followed against the concerned. The Chairman further observed that Pakistan Railways should clarify its legal representation arrangements, including the circumstances under which legal councels could be hired and special fees paid. He noted that the department had a panel of approximately 325 lawyers assigned to deal with civil cases and stressed that the engagement of additional legal counsel should be properly justified and transparent. The Chairman  enquired about the number of prosecuting inspectors throughout Pakistan.  The Chairman  Committee referred to  the list of illegal occupations provided  by the IG Railways, in the last meeting. He stated that Barrister Arslan Sheikh (the mayor Sukkur) and Mr. Jamil Ahmad Somro (MPA Larkana) had  pointed out their reservations regarding the activities of Railways police, stating that they were disturbing the residents of Kacchi Abadi and inhabitants of Provincial land which werw not the subject of Railways. He highlighted that there is a need of proper demarcation of the Railway land , so as to take transaprent action against real illegal occupants,  without disturbing the provincial subjects to avoid unnecessary litigation in between province and federal government. He further stated that the Minister and Chairman Railways may approach the mayor Sukkur and MPA Larkana in this regard if needed.  The Chairman expressed his expectations that the Ministry shall strictly follow the legal parameters in this regard.  The Committee also received a briefing on the existing travel concession facility for journalists provided by Pakistan Railways and expected that the journalists would be extended all the facilities as prescribed in the policy.     While concluding the  meeting, the Chairman Committee discussed a matter as additional agenda item regarding the Gadani Bridge in Sukkur. He required the Ministry to facilitate the munipal government in construction of the bridge and issue an NOC  if required for the said purpose. With this the meeting was called off.