Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry told the National Assembly on Monday that the decision to close the Public Works Department (PWD) was made in consultation with all provinces, not unilaterally by the federal government.
Responding to a question during the Question Hour, the minister said provincial representatives were fully involved in deliberations, including meetings of the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) held on 13th August 2024.
He added that the decision was finalized after thorough consultations with all stakeholders. He explained that PWD employees had been divided into two categories. Technical staff, mostly civil servants, were being adjusted through options such as the surplus pool or transfers to other departments, while a golden handshake scheme was also under consideration.
He assured the House that employees’ salaries and pensions would remain unaffected. The minister added that maintenance staff from grades 1 to 13 had been accommodated into relevant departments, including provincial institutions where required.
Development and maintenance responsibilities previously handled by PWD had now been reassigned to institutions such as the Capital Development Authority (CDA) in Islamabad and other provincial entities.
Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said ongoing Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) projects were being executed by the relevant federal and provincial departments, including the Pakistan Infrastructure Development Company Limited (PIDCL), particularly in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He acknowledged some initial challenges during the transition but expressed confidence that concerned institutions were being strengthened to effectively carry forward development projects. He assured the House that any specific complaints would be addressed promptly through the appropriate mechanisms. The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring transparency and efficiency in executing development projects nationwide.
Replying to another question, he said the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) did not allot plots to federal employees who have already received plots from federal institutions such as the CDA or any other federal entity.
However, he clarified that if a federal employee has been allotted a plot by a provincial authority, no centralized record exists with FGEHA, which might lead to possible duplication in such cases.
He assured the House that within the federal system, no duplication occurs due to proper record-keeping and verification procedures, while highlighting the need for improved coordination with provincial authorities to address such gaps.
Separately, Parliamentary Secretary for Health Nelson Azeem informed the National Assembly on Monday that comprehensive measures are in place to ensure safe and proper disposal of medical waste across the country.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary Secretary for Railways Muhammad Usman Awaisi on Monday informed the National Assembly that Pakistan Railways’ freight revenue had rebounded after a temporary decline caused by the 2022 floods, with consistent growth now being recorded.
Responding to a question during the Question Hour, he said the current fiscal year showed a steady increase, with freight revenue rising by approximately Rs3 million per month compared to last year, indicating improved performance of the sector.
Highlighting reform measures, the parliamentary secretary said Pakistan Railways had planned induction of 820 high-capacity freight wagons, out of which 538 had already been added, contributing to an estimated monthly revenue increase of Rs23 million. He added that passenger services were also being improved, with 230 passenger coaches are being inducted.
Muhammad Usman Awaisi said track maintenance work was underway on key sections, including Tando Adam-Rohri and Rohri-Khanpur, which would further enhance operational efficiency and ensure timely delivery of shipments.
He also highlighted the government’s focus on regional connectivity, particularly linking Pakistan with Central Asia through Iran and Türkiye, which is expected to significantly boost freight operations and revenue generation.
Responding to supplementary questions, he said efforts were underway to retrieve encroached railway land in coordination with provincial authorities and law enforcement agencies, adding that significant progress had been made, particularly in Punjab.
He further informed the House that steps were being taken to modernize payment systems, including installation of point-of-sale (POS) facilities at railway stations.
He said the initiative was linked with ongoing efforts to improve internet connectivity under the Railways infrastructure development project, while passengers could already purchase tickets through digital platforms such as the “Rabta” mobile application.