ISLAMABAD: The government in a bid to quell rousing protest by
Pakistan Railways (PR) employees that entered 2nd day , has Tuesday
issued one billion rupees for payment of the salaries of the PR staff.
According
to the Finance Ministry officials, the payment to the PR department has
been kick-started from today and one billion rupees will be transferred
to the Railways’ account by this evening, reported a private TV
channek.
The ministry official further say the fund will be
utilized in payment of employees’ salaries and further funds will be
issued in next couple of days for purchase of engines and other
administrative affairs.
President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday
night had directed to immediately issue Rs. 6 billion to steer the
department of Pakistan Railways of the crisis.
Meanwhile the
Pakistan Railways (PR) remained partially paralysed on Tuesday second
day as employees observed a wheel-jam strike against the non-payment of
salaries.
The employees unions had called a strike until the
payment of salaries. Today, PR employees took control of the engine shed
at 08:00 am ensuring that no train left for any destination. As a
result, train operations came to a standstill, including those already
on the move.
The Pakistan Railways Employees Union (PREM),
Senior Vice President Sheikh Mohammad Anwar and Rail Mazdoor Ittehad
President Sarfaraz Khan said that the protest would go on until the
salaries are paid.
Protesting workers said that political
interference and negligence of railway authorities have destroyed the
railway. They warned the government that if it did not pay attention to
the deteriorating condition of Pakistan Railways the department will
collapse one day and all the responsibility will be on government and
railway officials.
Passengers at all major railway stations
across the country were stranded and seen sitting at platforms, waiting
areas and even railway lines with their luggage amidst poor facilities
at railway stations. Most passengers demanded a refund of their tickets. Online
