ISLAMABAD: The existing Pakistan Railways pension policy, which was formulated a decade back, is financially unsustainable, the Senate Standing Committee on Railways was informed on Monday.
During the review of budgetary allocations by the parliamentary committee, the Inspector General of Railway Police proposed the introduction of a contributory pension system to alleviate financial pressure on the government.
The committee expressed concern over contractual recruitments, emphasising the need for transparency and merit-based appointments.
When a senator highlighted the importance of converting contractual positions to regular employment, the railway secretary informed the parliamentary committee that the department had 58,000 positions against the required workforce of 95,000.
Committee seeks report on budget utilisation, progress on railway projects
The committee sought explanations regarding incomplete railway projects and questioned the repeated revision of PC-1 for ML-1, which resulted in a significant cost escalation.
Concerns were also raised over non-utilisation of funds, particularly in the Thar coal project.
The railway secretary assured the senators that all ongoing projects would be completed by the end of fiscal year 2024-25.
The committee directed the ministry to provide a comprehensive report on budget utilisation and the progress of railway projects in the next meeting.
Chairman of the Senate standing committee Jam Saifullah Khan sought a detailed report on the recent transfers within Pakistan Railways in the next meeting.
The committee reaffirmed its commitment to addressing key issues in Pakistan Railways and directed the ministry to submit detailed reports to the committee on regularisation of contractual employees, adoption of a sustainable pension policy, timely recruitment of railway police personnel, enhanced security measures at railway stations and critical infrastructure, and efficient utilisation of budgetary allocations.
The committee recommended examining international recruitment model for railways police to develop a more viable system for railway employees and law enforcement personnel.
Senator Shahadat Awan reiterated the urgent need for additional railway police personnel, highlighting a shortage of 3,000 staff members and inadequate security equipment.
The committee directed the secretary that the recruitment of railway police personnel be completed before Eid, with another 1,000 posts to be advertised before the end of the financial year.
Moreover, it was emphasised that all railway bridges and tracks be placed under strict security surveillance.
The committee stressed the necessity of modern security gadgets, including scanners, walkthrough gates, metal detectors, and explosive detectors, to enhance public safety.
The Senate committee asked the ministry to prioritise the installation of such equipment at the top 20 railway stations across Pakistan.
Published in Dawn, March 4th, 2025
