The Senate Standing Committee on Less Developed Areas on Friday directed the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) to submit a complete record of all properties under its management, along with revenue details, before the next session.
The Sub-Committee, chaired by Senator Danesh Kumar, convened the same day, where the convener asked ETPB officials to brief the panel on the criteria and mechanisms through which the department generates its revenue.
He expressed concern that numerous ETPB properties had been leased out at disproportionately low monthly rental values, and instructed the Board to undertake a comprehensive reassessment and fair revaluation of these assets. During the briefing, the ETPB representative informed the committee that surveys of various properties had been completed and rents reassessed accordingly.
Based on these surveys, rental values are expected to increase by up to 460%. The officials added that certain aspects of the matter were linked to ongoing judicial proceedings; therefore, progress was being carried out gradually and strictly in line with legal requirements.
While reviewing the agenda, Convener Danesh Kumar expressed displeasure over the delayed submission of the working paper, noting that timely provision of documents would have enabled the committee to conduct a more detailed examination prior to the meeting.
Highlighting the importance of the ETPB’s mandate, Senator Danesh Kumar underscored that the restoration and maintenance of temples, gurdwaras, and other heritage sites play a vital role in projecting Pakistan’s positive soft image globally.
Speaking about Balochistan, he noted that the Hinglaj Mata Mandir hosts the second-largest Hindu religious pilgrimage after India.
He informed the committee that one temple in Balochistan had recently been handed over to the Sikh community, while an ancient Mandir in Zhob had been restored and returned to the Hindu community. He further shared that a local Imam had participated in the inauguration ceremony, presenting an exemplary gesture of interfaith harmony.
The Senate Standing Committee on Railways on Friday unanimously approved the draft of the Transfer of Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2025 after detailed deliberations.
The body met under the chair of Senator Jam Saifullah Khan which was attended by Senator Dost Ali Jeesar, Senator Kami Ali Agha, Senator Rubina Khalid and Senator Shahadat Awan.
Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi briefed the committee on the objectives of the proposed legislation, saying that the amendments aim to attract investment by enabling track access for various stakeholders.
He said that the provision would play a pivotal role in facilitating major national projects, including the Reko Diq project.
The committee was informed that several provincial governments had expressed interest in investing in Pakistan Railways, and the proposed amendments would create an enabling framework for them to contribute to railway infrastructure development.
The Chairman directed the Ministry to ensure the Minister’s inclusion in the Board to reinforce public oversight and strengthen institutional supervision. The committee also recommended several measures to improve Pakistan Railways’ performance.
It advised the Ministry to engage Chambers of Commerce to encourage investment and expand public-private partnerships. The Chairman further instructed that the ongoing infrastructure upgrades-such as the installation of LED lighting at major railway stations-be extended to smaller stations as well.
He also called for enhanced public awareness campaigns on safety near railway tracks. The Chairman directed the Ministry of Railways to present a comprehensive briefing in the next meeting, covering issues such as outsourcing, new recruitments, its effects on employees, manpower planning, budgetary impacts, and comparative revenue statistics before and after outsourcing initiatives.