On 26 September 2025 a requisitioned meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Railways convened at Parliament House, Islamabad, with Mr. Waseem Qadir, MNA, presiding 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 progress on its earlier recommendations and set clear directions for follow-up actions.
The Committee instructed the General Manager of Pakistan Railways to pursue restoration of the land title for Mouza Sonaki in Tehsil and District Muzaffargarh, coordinating with the Senior Member of the Board of Revenue in Lahore to expedite resolution. Attention to land rights at local level was emphasised as a priority for the Railways Committee to secure railway assets and community interests.
Members discussed the status of experienced staff serving under Railway Construction Company (RAILCOP), Pakistan Advisory and Consultancy Services, and Pakistan Railway Freight and Transportation Company within Pakistan Railways. The Committee noted ongoing consultations and urged timely decisions to address workforce deployment and contractual arrangements.
Regarding the Shalimar Hospital land matter, the Committee was informed that Pakistan Railways’ Legal Advisor had met the Additional Attorney General to advance the Committee’s recommendations. The Committee recommended that final resolution proceed in consultation with the Chief Secretary Punjab to ensure a legally sound and administratively coordinated outcome.
Committee members were briefed on an inquiry report concerning 47 Pakistan Railways officers who are posted abroad or elsewhere while continuing to draw salaries and incentives. The Railways Committee sought a thorough review of deputation arrangements and financial accountability to protect public resources.
Repair work on the railway bridge over the Kabul River at Nowshera Kalan, District Nowshera, was also reviewed with specific focus on the pedestrian pathway and safety arrangements. The Committee emphasised that infrastructure repairs should prioritise public access and long-term resilience.
The Committee formed a Sub-Committee under the convenership of Mr. Ibrar Ahmed, MNA, with Dr. Mehreen Razzaq Bhutto, Syed Wasim Hussain and Mr. Sadiq Ali Memon, MNAs, as members to follow up on key files and ensure implementation. Detailed consideration of the Transfer of Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2025 took place and it was decided that further deliberations would continue at the next session scheduled for 1 October 2025.
The meeting was attended by MNAs including Mr. Ibrar Ahmed, Haji Jamal Shah Kakar, Mr. Zulfiqar Bachani, Syeda Amnah Batool (online), Mr. Sadiq Ali Memon, Mr. Ramesh Lal, Dr. Mahreen Razzaq Bhutto, Syed Waseem Hussain and Mr. Muhammad Ilyas Chaudhry, along with officers from the Railway Ministry and Pakistan Railways. The Secretary of the Committee was Muhammad Iqbal Ghauri.
