Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Railways, chaired by Senator Jam Saifullah Khan, held a meeting to discuss the Transfer of Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and Starred Question No. 58. Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi briefed the Committee, highlighting that the proposed amendments aim to attract investment through track access, which would also benefit projects like Reko Diq. The Committee noted interest from provincial governments in investing in Pakistan Railways.

After detailed review, the Committee unanimously approved the draft bill. Senator Rubina Khalid emphasized the absence of the Minister from the proposed Railway Board, prompting the Chairman to direct that the Federal Minister for Railways be included to ensure public oversight.

The Committee recommended measures to enhance investment, promote public-private partnerships, and extend ongoing improvements, such as LED installations at major railway stations, to smaller stations. Public awareness campaigns on railway safety were also advised.

On Starred Question No. 58, concerns were raised regarding the impact of outsourcing on employees. The Committee directed the Ministry of Railways to provide a comprehensive briefing in the next meeting on outsourcing, new recruitments, manpower planning, budgetary implications, and railway revenue before and after outsourcing.