The National Railways Committee has informed the National Assembly that a delegation of Chinese experts is expected to visit Pakistan later this month to finish the finishing touches on the financial plan for the main Line-1 project. After approval of the financial plan, the bidding process will start, allowing the construction to start.
Headed by Ray Hassan Nawaz Khan, the committee sought up updates on the main line project (ML-1), with a focus on its importance as a transformational initiative for the rail network in Pakistan.
The committee urged the authorities to accelerate the project and recommended reforms for other railways. The meeting also discussed the infringement of 416 Kanals of Pakistan Railways Land at Chanab West Batke Station Yard in District Muzaffargarh.
According to Jamshaid Ahmed, a special invitation, the boycott government occupied the land in 1991 and turned it into an unauthorized garden, which is now being sold by public auction.
The Ministry of Iron railways informed the committee that a petition was submitted in the Supreme Court to prevent auction and restore the land.
The Committee ordered the Ministry of Iron railways to interact with the district administration to solve this issue, warning against calling the commissioner and the commissioner’s deputy at the next meeting if the case remains without a solution.
Regarding financial violations, the committee interrogated the ministry for a loss of 12.49 billion rupees in Pakistan, representing the fiscal year 2021-22. The ministry clarified that this amount is primarily possible losses due to the failure to rent the properties of the railways instead of corruption.
The Committee, the Director -General (Property & Land), ordered a detailed briefing on all review paragraphs 46 related to this issue at the next meeting.
The discussion also covered security concerns at railway stations and the recruitment process of the Railways Police in Pakistan. The committee directed the ministry to ensure the recruitment -based employment while adhering to the federal government shares system. In addition, it urged the installation and repair of safety cameras, walking gates, and luggage scanning systems at railway stations.
In conclusion, the committee criticized the absence of the Minister of Railways from the meetings and stressed the importance of his participation in future sessions.
