Pakistan Railways most corrupt institution: CJP

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Gulzar Ahmed, expressing displeasure over Pakistan Railways’ audit report, observed on Monday that no other department was facing such corruption, as the entire institution seemed to be involved in politics, putting rail passengers apparently at risk.

A three-member bench headed by CJP Gulzar Ahmed, during the hearing of a case related to the railways, took note of malpractices and losses as pointed out in an audit report. The bench summoned Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad, the chief executive officer and the secretary of the department on Tuesday (today) to appear in person to explain their position.

The top judge took strong exception to the railways’ age-old manual record-keeping system, which, he said, meant Rs75,000 could easily be siphoned off from payment of a sum of Rs100,000 into pockets with a trifle Rs25,000 shown in records.

Justice Gulzar Ahmed asked about the follow-up of a train fire incident. A lawyer of the railways explained that an inquiry against two suspects was under way. The CJP said the world was developing modern transportation system, including bullet trains, but Pakistan still lacked advanced passenger and goods trains. He pointed out the railways had failed to install proper tracks and signals to ensure the safety of passengers. “Neither the railway stations were up-to-the-mark, nor the track and the signals were OK.” He remarked the people were at risk while travelling on trains.

Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan said not a single component was in proper order in the railways. He said the audit report clarified the railways was facing losses in billions of rupees.

Justice Gulzar Ahmed said one who was interested in the portfolio of the Ministry of Railways needed to travel by train. Later, the case was adjourned till Tuesday (today).