Railways is most corrupt institution, says CJP

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday observed that the Railway is the most corrupt institution of the country and summoned Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid, Secretary and CEO Railways for today (Tuesday).

A three-member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed heard a case pertaining to Railway deficit. Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Gulzar Ahmed observed that it is very dangerous to travel in railway, adding one should first travel in railway before taking the Ministry of Railway.

The CJP without naming Federal Minister for Railway Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said that the whole institution is engulfed with politics. While expressing annoyance over the performance of the railways he said that neither therailways tracks are in order nor the signals. “It is the most corrupt institution of the country wherein nothing is functioning properly”, the CJP remarked. He said that the life of the passengers is in danger while traveling in the train.

The CJP asked about the outcome of an inquiry into an incident occurred last year in October in Multan wherein at least 73 people were killed and 48 others injured after a fire engulfed a train.

Counsel for the Ministry of Railway informed the court the matter had been investigated and action has been taken against two officials. The court took strong exception to the audit report of the Railway and the CJP asked as to why still the record of the institution is not computerised. The court remarks, “Your record is not computerised but it is manual. Nothing is running correct in railway. Neither there are passengers in the trains nor goods trains are running.”

Justice Ijazul Ahsan remarked railway system is not even running. Report has made it clear the department is running into loss of billions of rupees. CJP without mentioning the name of railway minister remarked railway wala daily pulls down and makes government but he is not becoming able to control Railway Ministry. “The entire railway department is in politics. We are running train of 18th century today while world is moving ahead by running bullet trains.

The CJP while expressing annoyance remarked why railway CEO has not appeared in the court. Counsel for railway told the court that notice was sent to former CEO and he is not present now.

Justice Gulzar pointed out that the department has failed to install proper tracks and signals to ensure the safety of the passengers. The court adjourned the hearing till today (Tuesday).