ISLAMABAD: Senate Committee on Railways stressed critical importance of modernising and enhancing railway system to ensure nation’s long-term well-being and prosperity.

Meeting, chaired by Senator Jam Saifullah Khan, focused on various issues, including corruption control within railway system and accountability of officials involved in corruption over past five years. Senator Shahadat Awan urged Ministry of Railways to provide comprehensive details on instances of fraud within department. He argued that attributing entire financial loss to pension-related issues is unjustifiable. Khan recommended that Ministry deliver detailed briefing on issues raised by Senator Shahadat Awan, specifically concerning theft, corruption, monetary losses and actions taken against those responsible. Secretary of Ministry of Railways assured committee of Ministry’s strict adherence to zero-tolerance policy for corruption. He added that Ministry is fully prepared to investigate matters as thoroughly as committee deems necessary.  He emphasised that audit reports would be thoroughly reviewed under committee’s guidance and that all decisions would be made in strict accordance with rules and regulations. Committee engaged in an in-depth discussion on ML-1 project. Senior officials provided briefing on project’s operations, key milestones and status of existing railway lines. 

Senator Kamil Ali Agha inquired about disruption of railway tracks following recent floods. It was reported that despite challenges posed by floods, ML-1 design incorporates environmental resilience.