Railway uplift: Punjab willing to invest Rs350bn
Briefing the meeting of National Assembly Standing Committee on Pakistan Railways (PR) held here on Friday under the chairmanship of Rai Hassan Nawaz Khan, Abbasi informed the committee that the chief minister of the Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif had shown interest in the upgradation and dualisation of the railway tracks in the province.
The committee also asked about the reasons for the winding-up of the Railway Construction Company (RAILCOP), Pakistan Railway Advisory and Consultancy Services (PRACS), and Pakistan Railway Freight and Transportation Company (PRFTC).
Minister unveils plan aimed at modernising Railways
Responding to the queries, the Hanif Abbasi informed the committee that the PR had adopted right-sizing policy in-line with the federal government initiatives, and the services of these state-owned enterprises (SOE) were not required, as the same services were being performed by PR itself.
So, the ministry decided to wind up these enterprises. The committee recommended utilising the experienced employees of these enterprises in Pakistan Railways.
The committee members expressed serious concerns regarding the presence of about 47 officers of Pakistan Railways staying abroad and receiving pay and all the incentives from Pakistan Railways. The Minister for Railways apprised the committee that the cases of all those officers were being examined.
The committee recommended presenting the detailed report about that matter in the next meeting. The committee also recommended that the Pakistan Railways might repair/maintain the Railway Bridge (Red Bridge), particularly the pathway for the pedestrians, on Kabul River, Nowshera Kalan in District Nowshera.
The committee constituted a Sub-Committee to probe the enquiry reports regarding the audio leak involving the currently appointed Divisional Superintendent, Pakistan Railway, Karachi and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Pakistan Railways, under the Convenership of Shafqat Abbas, MNA and its other members would be Ibrar Ahmad, Sadiq Ali Memon and Syed Waseem Hussain, MNAs. The Sub-Committee would submit its report to the main Committee within 30 days.
The Commissioner, Dera Ghazi Khan Division, presented the report regarding the land of Mouza Sonaki, Tehsil and District Muzaffargarh to the committee which was not agreed upon by the committee.
The committee decided to call the Senior Member, Board of Revenue, Punjab (SMBR) and the Commissioner, Dera Ghazi Khan Division, Dera Ghazi Khan, to resolve the issue of the restoration of the title of land of Mouza Sonaki, Tehsil and District Muzaffargarh, to Pakistan Railways.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
14 minutes ago
- Express Tribune
Senate panel voices concerns over KCR revival delays
The Senate Standing Committee on Railways has raised concerns over encroachments on railway land, the growing burden of pension payments, delays in the revival of the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR), and challenges surrounding the ML-1 project, in a meeting chaired by Senator Jam Saifullah Dharejo. Committee members including Senator Nasir Mehmood, Senator Asad Qasim, and Senator Dost Mohammad Khan were also in attendance. The committee visited the Divisional Superintendent (DS) office of Pakistan Railways, at the City Station where DS Mehmoodur Rehman Lakho gave a briefing on the operational, financial, and land-related challenges facing the department. Railway officials noted that the organisation is grappling with outdated infrastructure, limited financial resources, and declining revenues, with these issues not only affecting day-to-day services but also hampering progress on expansion projects. Further, they noted that a significant portion of the budget is being consumed by rising pension obligations, impacting development. The committee was informed that a strategy is being formulated to enhance the security of railway operations nationwide, with particular focus on the Karachi to Hyderabad section. Steps are also being taken to modernise surveillance systems, strengthen coordination with law enforcement, and reinforce the security framework, ensuring the safe movement of passengers and freight. Speaking to the media, Dharejo described the encroachment of railway land and the prolonged delay in the KCR revival as major challenges, but noted that discussions are ongoing with the government to reintegrate the KCR project, along with its inclusion in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The committee chairman also provided updates on recent consultations with Chinese companies regarding the ML-1 project, the country's largest and most expensive rail infrastructure initiative.
Business Recorder
6 hours ago
- Business Recorder
PHF seeks more time to decide on participation in FIH Pro League
Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has requested the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to extend the deadline for confirming participation in the upcoming FIH Pro League, PHF President Tariq Bugti said on Monday. Speaking to reporters in Lahore, Bugti said that while discussions with the government regarding Pakistan's participation are ongoing, the federation has sought an extension of the deadline from August 12 to August 20. 'We are hopeful of sharing good news soon,' he added. Bugti said the PHF has submitted a budget proposal of Rs350 million specifically for the Pro League, while a total of Rs700 million will be required to cover the federation's activities for the entire year, including international events. 'Participation in the Pro League will give our players vital international exposure and help improve the national team's ranking,' he said, adding that the final decision rests with the government. He said the government would also decide whether Pakistan would send its team to India for the upcoming Asia Cup. 'Given the current situation, we believe a delegation should first visit India to assess the ground realities before making a final decision,' Bugti stated, citing security concerns and the hostile attitude reportedly shown during Pakistan's tour to England. Bugti also said that the PHF has formally shared its concerns with the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF), particularly in light of threats reported in Indian media. 'Unlike cricket, hockey doesn't operate on neutral venues, so we must take these matters seriously.' Addressing internal matters, he dismissed reports of differences within the federation, saying, 'We've been hearing such rumours since day one. The fact is, we continue to compete and reach the finals of international events.' Bugti confirmed that funds have started to be transferred directly to players' accounts, with local daily allowances being disbursed in the first phase. 'We have communicated our financial constraints to the players, and they have understood the situation.' Meanwhile, several former Olympians have backed Pakistan's participation in the Pro League, calling it crucial for the sport's revival in the country.
Business Recorder
14 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Iranian President's visit
Not only has Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's visit to Pakistan immensely added to the brotherly ties between the two countries, it is also a strong recognition of the fact that their bilateral cooperation that is rooted in religious, cultural and geographical ties has enabled both Iran and Pakistan to register victories over Israel and India, respectively. In his meeting with President Asif Zardari, the latter appreciated Iran's positions on regional issues and acknowledged the Islamic republic's support for regional cooperation. According to media reports, President Zardari thanked Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for this consistent support for the people of Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. In fact, Iran's stated position on Kashmir, clearly spelt out by Imam Khomeini, has always been consistent since the overthrow of the Shah of Iran in 1979. Not many Muslim leaders have championed the cause of Kashmir as vigorously as Iran's supreme leader has. Saulat Hashmi (Dubai) Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
