Pakistan Railways Property Department Faces 12.5 Billion Rupees Scandal

The Property and Land Department of Pakistan Railways in Lahore has come under scrutiny for irregularities amounting to a staggering 12.5 billion rupees. A recent special audit report has uncovered various issues plaguing the department, shedding light on the mismanagement of railway land across the country.

The audit revealed that the total railway land in Pakistan spans 1.3532 million kanals, with encroachments on 2,617 acres valued at over Rs3.49 billion. Shockingly, illegal petrol pumps were found on land worth more than 2.17 billion rupees in Karachi and Hyderabad, raising concerns about unauthorized use of railway property.

One of the significant findings of the report was the discovery that the Gilani railway station in Karachi possesses 63 acres of land worth 4.40 billion rupees that have not been handed over. This delay has hindered the operationalization of the circular railway project, impacting the efficiency of the railway network in the region.

Moreover, the report highlighted the incomplete status of 602 railway quarters in Sukkur, along with outstanding dues of 221.2 million rupees from various departments. The termination of a lease agreement with a private fitness company in Karachi resulted in a substantial loss of 1.16 billion rupees for the Railways due to non-auction, indicating lapses in financial management.

The report also emphasized the lack of capacity among the staff responsible for managing railway property, noting that engineers are predominantly deployed at most locations. This highlights the urgent need for improved training and oversight to ensure the effective utilization and protection of railway assets.

The findings of the audit report on Pakistan Railways' Property and Land Department underscore the critical need for enhanced governance and transparency in managing the country's valuable railway resources. Addressing the identified irregularities and strengthening accountability mechanisms within the department are essential steps towards safeguarding public assets and promoting efficient railway operations for the benefit of all stakeholders.