Outline:
Senate Committee Reviews Performance of Pakistan Railways and Railway Police
The Senate Standing Committee on Railways, chaired by Senator Jam Saifullah Khan, convened a meeting at the Pakistan Railway Academy in Walton on Wednesday. The session brought together several key stakeholders, including Senators Dost Muhammad Jeesar, Asad Qasim, and Nasir Mahmood. Additional attendees included the Parliamentary Secretary for Railways, Muhammad Usman Uwaisi, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Railways and the Railway Police.
During the meeting, the committee received a comprehensive overview of the Pakistan Railway Academy’s operations, including its mandate, performance, and training capabilities. The Academy, which has a rich historical background, plays a vital role in equipping young officers and staff with modern skills tailored to the evolving needs of the railway sector. The briefing covered various aspects such as the organizational structure, infrastructure, model room, computer-based interlocking systems, and specialized training programs. It was noted that over the past decade, thousands of railway personnel have benefited from the Academy’s diverse training initiatives.
The discussion also highlighted the transparent process used to select faculty members, the inclusion of visiting experts, and the implementation of boot camp programs. Curriculum revisions, on-the-job training, soft skills development, and cross-learning opportunities were also emphasized. The committee expressed appreciation for the Academy’s efforts and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at improving the professional capacity of railway employees.
In addition to the Railway Academy, the Inspector General of Railway Police, Rai Tahir, provided an update on the performance of the Railway Police Academy and the broader force. He outlined the operational status of Help and Complaint Centers at major railway stations, which are available 24/7 to assist passengers and resolve grievances. Special accommodations, such as wheelchair services, are being offered to elderly and differently-abled travelers. Modern security measures, including the installation of CCTV cameras at stations, have been introduced to enhance safety.
Tahir also mentioned the regular training programs and courses conducted to improve the professional skills of police personnel. The committee was informed about measures taken to combat theft of passengers’ belongings and railway assets, along with details on investigation mechanisms and legal actions. A key topic of discussion was the pay disparity between railway employees and railway police, with the committee agreeing to recommend aligning their salaries with other government departments to boost morale and performance.
Following the briefing, the committee members visited the Pakistan Railway Police Academy, where they received detailed information on training activities, facilities, and technological advancements. They commended the performance of the Railway Police and emphasized the need to further strengthen its role in ensuring passenger safety and protecting railway assets.
The committee reiterated its determination to provide full support for the modernization of Pakistan Railways and the Railway Police. This initiative aims to make the institutions more efficient, effective, and profitable, ultimately enhancing the overall railway experience for passengers and employees alike.