Senator Rubina Khalid, a new member of the committee, questioned the rationale and procedure behind adopting railway models that are not widely practiced internationally. The committee instructed the Ministry of Railways to provide a comprehensive briefing on its outsourcing policies and practices at the next meeting.
She also raised concerns over the closure of train services in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and called for the uniform development of railway infrastructure across all provinces.
Disappointment Over Ministers’ and Senior Officials’ Absence Committee Chairman Jam Saifullah Khan announced that the next meeting would be held in Peshawar to specifically review railway projects and facilities in the province.
Senator Khalid also highlighted the strategic importance of the Afghan transit trade, urging the extension of railway access to the Torkham Pass to bolster regional connectivity.
The committee requested a detailed briefing on railway gauges to determine which system would best connect Pakistan with neighboring countries.
Members expressed their disappointment over the absence of Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi and other senior officials, despite assurances of their presence. They also noted that the working papers submitted were incomplete and not provided within the required 72-hour timeframe.
Senator Shahadat Awan pointed out that details of a police report regarding alleged corruption of billions of rupees were still missing, despite repeated requests. He called it “highly inappropriate” that after 11 meetings, complete information had still not been shared.
The chairman reiterated that the minister had previously assured transparent information provision and directed that the minister, secretary, and other senior officials must be present at the next meeting.
Other Issues Discussed The committee also discussed the flood situation and was informed that while older bridges had largely withstood the impact, some sectors like Narowal–Sialkot were temporarily affected but have since been restored.
Senator Awan also raised the issue of restoring the Budhal Express train between Rohri and Jacobabad and the Mandra-Chakwal railway line, stressing that people are forced to spend heavily on road travel due to the suspension of these services.
