A requisitioned meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Railways took place at Parliament House, Islamabad on September 26, 2025, presided over by Mr. Waseem Qadir, MNA, in the absence of the Chairman under sub-rule (2) of Rule 216 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007.
The Railways Committee reviewed the progress on earlier recommendations and directed the General Manager of Pakistan Railways to pursue restoration of the land title for Mouza Sonaki in Tehsil and District Muzaffargarh, to be resolved in consultation with the Senior Member, Board of Revenue, Lahore. Members emphasised the need for an expedited administrative solution that respects legal protocols and local interests.
Committee members also addressed staffing and contractual issues affecting experienced employees of the Railway Construction Company (RAILCOP), Pakistan Advisory and Consultancy Services, and the Pakistan Railway Freight and Transportation Company working within Pakistan Railways. The Committee sought clear timelines for regularisation or resolution of employment matters to protect operational continuity and workforce rights.
On the matter of Shalimar Hospital land, the Committee was informed that the Legal Advisor of Pakistan Railways had met the Additional Attorney General as part of follow-up work. The Committee recommended resolving the Shalimar Hospital land issue in coordination with the Chief Secretary of Punjab to ensure administrative alignment and legal clarity.
Members considered an inquiry report into 47 Pakistan Railways officers who are residing abroad on deputation or posted elsewhere while still receiving salaries and incentives from Pakistan Railways. The Railways Committee urged a detailed audit and corrective actions where necessary to safeguard public resources and accountability.
Repairs to the railway bridge over the Kabul River at Nowshera Kalan in District Nowshera were also reviewed, with particular attention to the pedestrian pathway. The Committee requested progress updates on safety measures and timelines for completion to protect commuters and local residents who depend on the crossing.
The Committee constituted a Sub-Committee under the convenership of Mr. Ibrar Ahmed, MNA, with Dr. Mehreen Razzaq Bhutto, Syed Wasim Hussain, and Mr. Sadiq Ali Memon as members to follow up on specific matters arising from the meeting. Detailed follow-up and reporting were assigned to ensure implementation of directives.
Detailed deliberations were held on the Transfer of Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Committee decided to continue discussion at its next meeting scheduled for October 1, 2025, to allow further scrutiny and input. The meeting was attended by MNAs Ibrar Ahmed, Haji Jamal Shah Kakar, Zulfiqar Bachani, Syeda Amnah Batool (online), Sadiq Ali Memon, Ramesh Lal, Dr. Mehreen Razzaq Bhutto, Syed Waseem Hussain and Muhammad Ilyas Chaudhry, alongside officials from the Ministry of Railways and Pakistan Railways.
