Minister concerned over rising number of derailments
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, Friday, expressed concern over the rising number of derailments and called for a detailed analysis and proactive measures to prevent future occurrences.
Abbasi said this here on Friday, while chairing a high-level meeting on the occasion of his first 100 days in office which he celebrated with releasing of a special documentary on Pakistan Railways, highlighting key achievements and progress during his tenure.
The meeting attended by senior PR officials focused on train safety, administrative performance and ongoing corruption investigations within Pakistan Railways. On the occasion a comprehensive briefings on recent train accidents and operational issues, with particular attention to incidents reported in Sukkur, Multan, and Peshawar during June 2025 was presented.
The documentary showcases various initiatives and improvements undertaken by the ministry under Hanif Abbasi's leadership, reflecting efforts aimed at reforming and revitalising the railway sector.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister said, 'This is just the beginning of the journey.' He reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Pakistan Railways into a modern, efficient, and developed institution. 'We are determined to make Railways a progressive and modern organisation,' he stated, adding that in the remaining three and a half years of the government's tenure, 'We will work with full energy and dedication to ensure the growth and development of the railway network.'
Hanif Abbasi directed that clear recommendations and an action plan be formulated and submitted to the relevant authorities. He also sought a report on the delay of the Awam Express departing from Karachi and ordered an immediate inquiry into the recent foot over bridge incident in Khanewal.
Regarding the closure of the Shahinabad Quarry, the minister instructed officials to identify those responsible and take appropriate action. The meeting also reviewed the Railway Constructions Pakistan Limited investigation, where the Inspector General of Pakistan Railways Police reported that the fact-finding inquiry was nearing completion.
The inquiry recommends criminal proceedings against implicated officials and proposes the case be handed over to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for further investigation. Reaffirming the ministry's zero-tolerance stance on corruption, Minister Abbasi said that financial, administrative and structural reforms remain a top priority.
He also said that strict disciplinary action against non-performing staff, while assuring that employees who demonstrate exceptional performance will be recognised through rewards and commendation certificates.
Hanif Abbasi called on all officers and personnel to perform their duties with sincerity, transparency and accountability, emphasising the government's commitment to restoring public confidence in the national rail system.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
6 hours ago
- Business Recorder
PBC complains against FBR member
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Business Council (PBC) has lodged a strong protest with Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Rashid Mahmood Langrial against alleged rude behaviour of FBR Member Inland Revenue (Policy) during meetings of the Anomalies Committees. Ehsan Malik, Chairman Anomalies Committee (Business) in a letter to FBR Chairman said that despite repeated requests the meetings of the Anomalies Committees were not called early enough to allow changes in the fiscal bill, nor was the Member IR (Policy) available to start the meeting on time or to attend it for more than ten minutes. 'We were informed that he had urgent matters to attend to. Members of the Anomalies Committee were kept waiting from 2 pm to 2.45 pm on June 24th and then after a ten-minute presence, the Member IR (Policy) was called out, leaving no one from the FBR in the room. Members of the Committee waited for another 45 minutes before starting the discussion. Member IR (Policy) did not join the meeting till its conclusion. 'The Anomalies Committee (Business) was established by you and was composed of the Presidents and CEOs of eleven leading Chambers and business bodies of Pakistan. Besides their own businesses, the members have important matters concerning their constituents to take care of. Their time is valuable. Keeping them waiting was rude and disrespectful. Only taxpayers can have anomalies in budget proposals, and they must be heard. At my request, the members abstained from resigning and walking out of the meeting. 'I am attaching the minutes of the meeting that we had to conduct without the Member IR (Policy). You will note many anomalies that need to be addressed. Kindly let us know how you intend to deal with these, now that the Finance Bill has been passed. Finally, we appreciate the way the Customs meeting was held.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
6 hours ago
- Business Recorder
FIA director says issues facing business community will be resolved
KARACHI: Director Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Sindh, Muhammad Noman Siddiqui, has reaffirmed the agency's commitment to working closely with the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) to address and resolve issues faced by the business community. Speaking at a meeting during his visit to KCCI, FIA Director explained that offloading passengers at airports, particularly those suspected of being involved in begging or illegal immigration through the 'Dunki' route, is carried out not by choice but as a national obligation to safeguard Pakistan's image. To counter such practices, the FIA's Directorate General has established a Risk Analysis Wing that monitors travel patterns and identifies potential offenders. Individuals, airlines, and even specific countries and age groups have been flagged through this intelligence-led process, he added. The meeting was attended by Chairman Businessmen Group (BMG) Zubair Motiwala, Vice Chairman BMG Anjum Nisar, President KCCI Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, Senior Vice President Zia ul Arfeen, Vice President Faisal Khalil Ahmed, former Presidents Junaid Esmail Makda and Muhammad Idrees, Chief of the Chamber's Police Liaison Committee Hafeez Aziz and others. FIA Director Noman Siddiqui further pointed out that travel to countries such as Senegal, Tanzania, Libya, and Mozambique by first-time travellers often raises red flags unless they can provide a credible justification. However, he clarified that those with genuine business in these regions, especially members of the Chamber, are not hindered if their documentation is in order. To streamline facilitation for legitimate business travellers, Siddiqui proposed the formation of a dedicated WhatsApp coordination group between FIA and KCCI. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business Recorder
CM greets nation on new Islamic year
LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif said, 'I pray that may the new Islamic year brings a message of peace and security to the Muslim Ummah. The new Islamic year is a messenger of unity and solidarity for the Muslim Ummah. May Allah Almighty makes the new Islamic year 1447 (AH) a year of peace and progress for Pakistan.' In her message on the beginning of Muharram-ul-Haram and the Islamic year, the CM said, 'I pray that may the new Hijri year brings peace, tranquility, prosperity and happiness across the globe. May the new Hijri year becomes a source of blessing for Pakistan, the Pakistani nation and the entire Islamic world.' She highlighted, 'Muharram-ul-Haram also reminds us of the great martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The message of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) encourages the oppressed of every era and challenges the oppressor.' She urged, 'There should be no differences and divisions in Muharram-ul-Haram and we should adopt tolerance. The Punjab government has made extraordinary arrangements to ensure an atmosphere of peace and security in Muharram-ul-Haram.' She outlined, 'Those who spread hatred and sectarianism on social media will be dealt with an iron hand. The Punjab government has imposed a complete ban on drone coverage in gatherings and processions during Muharram-ul-Haram, stern action will be taken against any violation. We are aware of every nefarious designs and negative tactics of our enemy and we as a nation stand united on every front.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
