Islamabad: Minister for Railways, Hanif Abbasi, has reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing the efficiency and performance of Pakistan Railways. He made this announcement while addressing a Calling Attention Notice moved by Syed Rafiullah and Shazia Marri in the National Assembly. Abbasi assured the timely payment of salaries and pensions to railway employees, although he highlighted a shortfall of 12.5 billion rupees in other employee benefits, which he has discussed with the Finance Division for resolution.

According to Radio Pakistan, Minister of State for Finance, Bilal Azhar Kayani, responded to another Calling Attention Notice, clarifying the tax exemptions in the erstwhile FATA and PATA regions. He stated that while these areas remain exempt from many taxes, including income tax, a ten percent GST applies only to locally produced and sold goods. Kayani acknowledged the sacrifices made by tribal area residents in the fight against terrorism and emphasized the collective responsibility to rebuild these regions, justifying their continued preferential treatment.

Addressing opposition concerns, Minister of State for Interior, Talal Chaudhry, confirmed that intelligence-based operations are underway to combat terrorism, with the National Action Plan being implemented in consultation with provincial governments.

In legislative proceedings, the House passed five bills: the Legal Practitioners and Bar Councils Amendment Bill, 2025; the National Institute of Health Reorganization Amendment Bill, 2025; the Acid and Burn Crime Bill, 2024; the Reservation of Special Seats for Deserving Persons in Universities Bill, 2024; and the Zakat and Ushr Amendment Bill, 2025.

Several new bills were also introduced, including the Islamabad Capital Territory Food Fortification Bill, 2025, and the Prevention of Obscenity and Indecency in Digital Bill, 2025, among others. These bills have been referred to the Standing Committees for further consideration. The House is scheduled to reconvene tomorrow at two pm.