Islamabad, July 12, 2025: Punjab government is prepared to allocate Rs. 350 billion for the upgradation of railway lines throughout the province, Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi informed the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Pakistan Railways.
While addressing the committee session, which was presided over by MNA Rai Hassan Nawaz Khan, Abbasi stated that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had shown keen interest in upgrading the railway system to enhance both passenger travel and freight transportation.
The committee also demanded the clarification on the recent shutdown of three Pakistan Railways-affiliated companies; the Railway Construction Company (RAILCOP), Pakistan Railway Advisory and Consultancy Services (PRACS), and the Pakistan Railway Freight and Transportation Company (PRFTC).
Abbasi replied that the shut downs were part of a “right-sizing” initiative aimed at making operations more efficient. He mentioned that Pakistan Railways had taken over the essential functions of these companies, making their existence unnecessary.
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Nevertheless, the committee advised that skilled personnel from the dissolved entities should be accommodated within the railways department.
Another issue highlighted was the presence of 47 Pakistan Railways officers stationed abroad who are still receiving salaries and benefits from the department. Abbasi assured the members that a thorough review of their cases is ongoing and findings will be disclosed at the following meeting.
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The committee also pressed Pakistan Railways to carry out repairs on the pedestrian walkway atop the Red Bridge situated over the Kabul River in Nowshera Kalan. Additionally, a sub-committee was constituted to investigate a controversial audio recording involving senior officials from the Karachi railway office. The results are expected within 30 days.
In a separate matter, the committee dismissed a land ownership report concerning Mouza Sonaki in Muzaffargarh and resolved to summon senior provincial revenue officers to assist in settling the dispute.
