In a significant legislative move, the Senate of Pakistan has approved the Pakistan Railways Bill 2024, setting the stage for a major overhaul of the country's national rail service. The bill was passed on Thursday, marking a pivotal step towards transforming the department into a more efficient, corporate-style entity.
Key Provisions of the New Railways Bill
The newly passed legislation aims to repeal the outdated Pakistan Railways Act of 1890, introducing a modern legal framework. The core objective is to facilitate the corporatization of Pakistan Railways, potentially leading to its division into separate business units for infrastructure and operations. This restructuring is designed to enhance financial discipline, improve service delivery, and attract investment.
Federal Minister for Law and Justice, Azam Nazeer Tarar, presented the bill in the upper house. He emphasized that the proposed law is intended to bring administrative and financial autonomy to the railways, freeing it from the constraints of traditional government department procedures. The bill includes provisions for creating a Pakistan Railways Authority and a Pakistan Railways Executive Committee to oversee operations and policy.
Political Debate and Opposition's Walkout
The passage of the bill was not without controversy. Opposition parties, led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), staged a walkout in protest. They raised strong objections, arguing that the bill was being rushed through the house without sufficient debate and scrutiny.
Opposition senators, including Saifullah Abro and others, contended that the legislation would effectively privatize a vital national asset, potentially leading to job losses and higher fares for the public. They demanded that the bill be sent to the relevant standing committee for detailed discussion, a request that was ultimately overruled by the chair.
Government's Defense and the Path Forward
Defending the legislation, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and other treasury members clarified that the bill is about corporatization, not outright privatization. They argued that the move is essential to revitalize the loss-making entity, improve its services for passengers and freight, and reduce its massive financial burden on the national exchequer.
With the Senate's approval, the Pakistan Railways Bill 2024 has cleared a major legislative hurdle. The bill had already been passed by the National Assembly. Once it receives the president's assent, it will become law, initiating a new chapter for Pakistan's rail network with the goal of making it a modern, self-sustaining organization.
