Jaffar Express briefing: NA panel orders interior secy’s presence

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Railways expressed strong displeasure over the absence of the interior secretary during Tuesday’s crucial meeting. The committee directed the ministry to ensure his presence at the next session for a detailed briefing on the Jaffar Express terrorist incident. Chaired by Rai Hassan Nawaz Khan, the committee began by offering Fateha for the victims of the Jaffar Express attack before allowing media entry to proceed with the agenda.

Members unanimously praised the security forces’ bravery and professionalism during the rescue operation while deciding to receive an in-camera briefing on the incident from Railways Minister, Pakistan Railways Police IG, and Interior Ministry additional secretary. The Railway Board secretary provided comprehensive updates on two flagship initiatives. Regarding the freight and passenger coach modernisation project, he informed that the original cost of 820 high-capacity wagons was Rs.9.48 billion, which has now been revised to Rs.17.58 billion, with 390 remaining wagons slated for completion by December 31, 2025. These wagons feature enhanced load capacity and operational speed.

For the 230 passenger coaches project, the initial budget was Rs.21.71 billion, revised to Rs.53.39 billion, with 184 coaches to be delivered by June 2027 featuring significantly upgraded standards.

The secretary also briefed about the Thar Rail Connectivity Project, approved on May 9, 2024, with Rs.53.73 billion budget and two-year timeline. This project is being executed as a 50-50 joint venture between Pakistan Railways and Sindh government. The ministry showcased progress through project videos and visual presentations during the session attended by MNAs including Waseem Qadir, Mehreen Razzak Bhutto, and online participants Syed Waseem Hussain and Nuzhat Saddiq. Senior railways officials were also present. The committee mandated the interior secretary to brief on Jaffar Express security lapses in the next meeting and decided to conduct a technical review of project cost escalations.