News Detail
Event Title: Senator Jam Saifullah Khan, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Railways Presiding over a Meeting of The Committee at Parliament House, Islamabad.
Event Date: 2026-01-15
The Senate Standing Committee on Railways met on 15 January 2026 under the chairmanship of Senator Jam Saifullah Khan to review strategic railway development, operational reforms, and key policy issues. Senator Rana Mehmood-ul-Hassan, Senator Nasir Mehmood, Senator Kamil Ali Agha, Senator Rubina Khalid, Senator Dost Ali Jesar, and Senator Shahadat Awan attended the meeting.
The Committee examined plans for railway connectivity of Gwadar with the national rail network and Quetta, recognizing Gwadar’s importance as a strategic deep-sea port. Briefings focused on two major initiatives: the Minlink Express from Gwadar to Nokundi via Panjgur (680 km), aimed at linking the mineral-rich Chagai region with international markets, and the proposed Main Line-4 (ML-4) to integrate Gwadar into the national rail system. The Committee was informed that a joint PC-I survey covering 282 acres has been completed. Funding modalities were discussed, including USD 590 million through bridge financing for the Nokundi–Rohri section and USD 2 billion for the Rohri–Karachi section, expected to be financed with support from the Asian Development Bank.
Members stressed that large-scale expansion must be accompanied by improvement of existing railway infrastructure. In this context, the Committee reviewed the cancellation of the Bhalwal petrol pump tender and directed that a fresh tender be issued through a fully transparent and competitive process, with complete details to be placed before the Committee.
The Committee further reviewed the status of railway connectivity between Gwadar Port berths and the Gwadar Railway Container Yard. It was noted that feasibility studies conducted in 2005 and revalidated in 2019 guided phased land acquisition, with 498.33 acres already acquired. The Committee underscored the need for institutional coordination and directed that a comprehensive briefing be presented in the next meeting, with participation of the Gwadar Development Authority and Port Authorities.
On operational reforms, the Committee assessed the impact of outsourcing luggage van services. It was noted that staff strength has reduced through outsourcing and natural attrition, contributing to financial sustainability, while annual revenues have increased by Rs. 82 million. The Committee acknowledged the positive fiscal impact of this measure.
The Committee also deliberated on the Hyatt Regency (NCEL) land case involving Pakistan Railways land in Karachi. Given the prime location and high value of the property, the Committee emphasized strict adherence to legal requirements and transparency. It recommended resumption of the land by Pakistan Railways and directed that a detailed briefing on legal, financial, and administrative aspects be presented in the next meeting.
Members highlighted regional service disparities, particularly the limited rail operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Committee was informed that consultations are underway with provincial governments on cost-sharing arrangements, rehabilitation of existing tracks, and introduction of new services, with framework agreements expected.
In concluding remarks, the Chairman shared insights from modern railway systems observed during his recent visit to China, emphasizing the need to align Pakistan’s rail development with international best practices. The meeting concluded with a consensus on strengthening railways as a cost-effective, sustainable, and strategically vital mode of national connectivity.