ISLAMABAD: The Sub-Committee of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Railways was informed on Monday that recent floods caused over Rs1.18bn in damage to Pakistan Railways’ infrastructure, with restoration work ongoing across various affected sections. The meeting, chaired by Convener Malik Abrar Ahmad, took place at the Parliament House. AGM Infrastructure Imad Asad Mirza provided a detailed briefing on the damage to the railway network and property during the 2025 floods. According to the report, several railway sections were closed due to the 2025 floods, with bridges and tracks severely damaged. The total estimated repair cost is Rs1.1875 billion. A railways official informed the committee that on August 27, 2025, a breach occurred on the railway track between Pasrur and Qila Sobha Singh on the Shadara–Narowal–Sialkot section, disrupting four train services. Emergency repairs were completed, and operations resumed on September 13, 2025. On August 28, 2025, a 1,200-foot breach near Rewas Railway Bridge No. 64 on the River Chenab halted traffic on the Shorkot–Jhang–Shaheenabad section, affecting two trains. Repair work is expected to be completed by November 15, 2025. On September 3, 2025, three major breaches totalling 1,166 feet occurred between Abdul Hakim and Darkana stations on the Khanewal–Shorkot section, disrupting 14 train services, with restoration expected by October 31, 2025.
The report estimated Rs987million for track repairs, Rs19.65million for bridge protection work, and additional costs for stone supply and other restoration activities. The official noted that floodwater pressure, soil erosion, and breaches in protective embankments caused extensive damage, but field units were working urgently to restore affected sections. Stronger embankments are also being constructed to mitigate future flood impacts.
The committee members commended the detailed presentation and urged railway authorities to accelerate restoration while ensuring long-term infrastructure durability. They expressed hope that all flood-affected sections would soon be fully operational, restoring normal railway services nationwide.
Separately, Pakistan Railways submitted a comprehensive inquiry report to the sub-committee regarding the alleged audio leak involving former Divisional Superintendent (DS) Multan, Mahmood Lakho. The report clarified that no evidence of corruption or illegal financial gain was found. Secretary Railway Board Rahat Mirza informed the committee that the inquiry, conducted by DG Pakistan Railway Academy Walton, Sufyan Sarfraz Dogar, investigated whether the former DS sought illegal financial benefits related to the lease of the Bahawalnagar Railway Hospital.
The report confirmed that the building in question has operated as a charitable hospital in Bahawalnagar for 15 years, providing free or low-cost treatment. The lease applicant, Zahid Mahmood Khan, submitted written and verbal statements confirming no railway official demanded or received bribes or illegal benefits. The report noted that portions of the leaked audio were presented out of context to create a misleading impression and damage the officer’s reputation. It concluded that the allegations were “fabricated, baseless, and motivated by malice,” recommending case closure. It further stated that those behind the leak intentionally spread misinformation to malign the officer, but the claims were disproven by evidence. Convener Malik Abrar Ahmad noted that the lease applicant had declared under oath that the allegations were false. However, he expressed concern that a senior officer had misled members during a briefing in Karachi. After reviewing the inquiry findings and hearing all sides, the committee closed the matter.
