News Detail
Event Title: Senator Jam Saifullah Khan, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Railways presiding over a meeting of the committee at Karachi
Event Date: 2025-08-04
The meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Railways was held today in Karachi under the chairmanship of Senator Jam Saifullah Khan Dharejo. The meeting was attended by Committee Members Senator Nasir Mehmood, Senator Dost Ali Jesser, Senator Asad Qasim, Senator Dost Muhammad Khan, and Senator Ashraf Ali Jatoi.
While discussing train operations, the Committee was informed that the Karachi Railway Division has 624 kilometers of operational routes, whereas 439 kilometers remain inoperative. The Committee expressed concern over this high ratio of non-functional segments and emphasized the need to revive economically viable routes.
Senator Nasir Mehmood Butt raised the issue of frequent train accidents, expressing concern over the recurring loss of innocent lives. In response, the Committee directed the Ministry of Railways to take immediate and concrete steps to reduce the frequency of such incidents and ensure passenger safety.
While deliberating on the long-pending ML-1 project and the vulnerable Sukkur–Multan section, the Chairman of the Committee urged the Ministry to expedite the project. He also directed that proper planning be undertaken to safeguard railway tracks from waterlogging and flood damage, which have severely impacted operations in the past.
To revive inoperative routes, the Committee recommended that the Ministry of Railways coordinate with provincial governments, following the example of Punjab, to seek funding from provincial budgets for infrastructure development and the operation of intercity fast trains.
Senator Dost Muhammad highlighted the proposed circular railway project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which aims to serve Nowshera, Charsadda, and Peshawar. He urged the Ministry to reinitiate this initiative, citing its potential to meet public demand and generate revenue.
The Secretary of Railways informed the Committee that efforts are underway to engage all provinces in collaborative railway infrastructure projects and in operating viable intercity train services.
Regarding station upgrades, the Chairman directed that upgradation efforts must be equitably distributed among all provinces, with Karachi — being the economic hub — prioritized for modern facilities to benefit commuters from across Pakistan.
On staffing matters, the Secretary briefed the Committee about ongoing efforts to rationalize workforce numbers due to the implementation of digital technologies. He noted that legacy systems are being replaced, and specialized staff will be recruited to operate new digital systems efficiently.
The Chairman raised the issue of fake advertisements for job vacancies in the Railways and other departments. He condemned such fraudulent practices and directed that any false advertisement should immediately be reported to cybercrime authorities to prevent exploitation of the public.
Regarding illegal encroachments on railway land, the Committee was informed that 307 acres are under encroachment by government departments and 954 acres by private individuals. The Committee urged provincial governments to assist in reclaiming this land. It also expressed concern over stay orders issued by local courts, which delay land recovery efforts. The DS Railways proposed that before issuing such stays, courts should be required to hear the Ministry's position to ensure that justice is served based on merit.
The Committee also noted a lack of adequate support from district administrations and police during anti-encroachment operations, despite prior coordination and notifications from Pakistan Railways.
On passenger amenities, the Committee was informed of recent improvements at several stations, including installation of ATMs, information desks, drinking water facilities, washrooms, tuck shops, and escalators. The Chairman directed that escalators should also be installed at high-traffic stations like Hyderabad and Rohri, where passengers face significant challenges.
Addressing staff welfare, the Committee raised serious concerns over delays in payment of pensions, GP funds, commutation, benevolent funds, marriage grants, and farewell salaries to retired and current employees. Representatives from various employee unions were also heard. The Secretary informed the Committee that multiple requests have been made to the Ministry of Finance for special funds to clear pending liabilities. Despite recommendations from the Committee itself, no separate allocations have been made, and the Ministry of Railways lacks sufficient resources to meet these commitments on its own.
On security issues, Senator Asad Qasim raised concerns about safety at railway stations in Balochistan, particularly Quetta. The DIG of Railways Police informed the Committee that additional personnel have been deployed following incidents such as the Jaffar Express attack, and new security plans are being developed to further enhance passenger safety.