Committee Urges Sustainable Pension Relief for Railways Retirees

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs has demanded Pakistan Railways craft a sustainable pension relief mechanism for its retirees, including Prime Minister’s assistance package beneficiaries, balancing pensioner rights with long-term financial survival. Chaired by MNA Rana Iradat Sharif Khan, the committee grilled officials after learning Pakistan Railways — unique among government entities — self-funds all pensions without a central fund, facing exploding liabilities: commutation, leave encashment, benevolent fund, and PM package claims. Member Finance warned pension costs are outpacing revenues, choking budgets and starving core operations. Lawmakers insisted on a structured, viable model to shield retirees while easing the crushing burden.