NA Panel Forms Sub-Committee to Probe Railways Audio Leak

News Desk

Islamabad: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Railways has constituted a sub-committee to investigate the recently leaked audio call between the Divisional Superintendent of Pakistan Railways Karachi and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pakistan Railways.

Chaired by MNA Rai Hassan Nawaz Khan, the committee held its 11th session late Friday night at Parliament House in Islamabad. The newly formed sub-committee will be led by MNA Shafqat Abbas and includes MNAs Ibrar Ahmad, Sadiq Ali Memon, and Syed Waseem Hussain. It has been tasked with reviewing inquiry reports and presenting its findings within 30 days.

During the meeting, the committee rejected a report submitted by the Commissioner of Dera Ghazi Khan concerning a long-standing land dispute in Mouza Sonaki, Muzaffargarh. To resolve the matter, the committee summoned the Senior Member of Punjab’s Board of Revenue and the Commissioner of Dera Ghazi Khan for the next session.

Railways Minister briefed the committee on recent improvements in passenger services, including the installation of water filtration plants and coolers at major railway stations. He added that janitorial services had been outsourced to ensure better cleanliness and food quality across the network.

Members raised concerns over the government’s decision to wind up several state-owned enterprises, including the Railway Construction Company (RAILCOP), Pakistan Railway Advisory and Consultancy Services (PRACS), and Pakistan Railway Freight and Transportation Company (PRFTC).

The minister clarified that these closures are part of the government’s rightsizing policy, with services now integrated under Pakistan Railways. The committee recommended reassigning experienced staff from the dissolved entities to relevant departments.

In addition, the committee was informed that Pakistan Railways’ legal petition regarding the disputed Shalimar Hospital land in Lahore had been turned down by the Attorney General’s office. It directed the ministry to re-engage with the office to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court.

Read More: https://thepenpk.com/na-body-seeks-probe-into-cda-land-litigation/

The committee also reviewed the ongoing leasing process of the Royal Palm Golf and Country Club in Lahore. Officials reported that a pre-bid meeting held in April saw participation from 16 companies, and bids are set to open on July 22. The process is being monitored under Supreme Court directives.

The committee expressed concern over Pakistan Railways’ minimal share in the national freight market, currently only 5–8 percent. The CEO acknowledged the gap and informed that steps are being taken to outsource services to international firms in order to enhance freight capacity.

The minister added that interest from multinational companies is a positive development and would help revitalize the sector.

On the long-delayed ML-1 railway upgradation project, the committee was told that the Chief Minister of Punjab has shown willingness to finance Rs. 350 billion for the dualization of railway tracks within the province.

The issue of 47 railway officers currently residing abroad while drawing full salaries and benefits also came under scrutiny. The minister assured members that these cases are under review, and a detailed report will be presented in the next meeting.

The committee also directed the Ministry of Railways to carry out urgent repairs to the Red Bridge over the Kabul River in Nowshera, particularly its pedestrian walkway.

The session was attended by MNAs Ramesh Lal and Waseem Qadir (via Zoom), as well as senior officials from the Ministry of Railways and Pakistan Railways.