The Supreme Court (SC) has sought the record about initiatives taken for restoration of Pakistan Railways including engine repairing agreements with various companies.
A two-member bench of Supreme Court comprising Chief Justice of
Pakistan, Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and Justice Khilji Arif
Hussain initiated the hearing on suo motu notice taken against
nonpayment of salaries to Pakistan Railways employees and pensioners.
Court has permitted former minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed to become party in the case for court assistance; meanwhile Sheikh informed the court that all engineers of Pakistan Railways have been sent on leave.
Court has permitted former minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed to become party in the case for court assistance; meanwhile Sheikh informed the court that all engineers of Pakistan Railways have been sent on leave.
Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, in his remarks, said that
Pakistan Railways is a commercial department which should generate its
resources. He said that nonpayment to pensioners is violation of human
rights while on the other hand railways property is being sold.
He said the salaries of the officers will be seized if the pensioners are not paid on time. The Chief Justice expressed his annoyance over the absence of Chairman Railways in the court.
The CJP asked Secretary Railways Board why he does not resign when railway engines are out of order and the trains are suspended. The Supreme Court ordered that the bank accounts of the pensioners should be opened in the bank branches near their homes.
The CJP remarked that bad governance is the main reason behind the failure of Pakistan Railways, adding that nonpayment of salaries and pension is an example of bad governance. He said that many officers resuming the posts for a long time have failed to deliver and if they cannot perform their duties they should give chance to someone else as the country abounds with talented people.
Chief Justice remarked that corruption has been perished into veins the railway officials, adding that tickets are being sold in black instead of windows. A bulb worth of seven rupees has been given to the railways in 400 rupees, CJ added.
He said the salaries of the officers will be seized if the pensioners are not paid on time. The Chief Justice expressed his annoyance over the absence of Chairman Railways in the court.
The CJP asked Secretary Railways Board why he does not resign when railway engines are out of order and the trains are suspended. The Supreme Court ordered that the bank accounts of the pensioners should be opened in the bank branches near their homes.
The CJP remarked that bad governance is the main reason behind the failure of Pakistan Railways, adding that nonpayment of salaries and pension is an example of bad governance. He said that many officers resuming the posts for a long time have failed to deliver and if they cannot perform their duties they should give chance to someone else as the country abounds with talented people.
Chief Justice remarked that corruption has been perished into veins the railway officials, adding that tickets are being sold in black instead of windows. A bulb worth of seven rupees has been given to the railways in 400 rupees, CJ added.
CJ asked Secretary Railway Board Shafiqullah that do not play with
masses of country, adding that all officials sitting on high posts have
to answer the God. Officials are not doing their duties and police is
beating the pensioners, CJ said.
Court maintained that articles 09 and 14 are being violated by
railway officials, so court can direct to any authority in national
interest.
During the course of hearing secretary railway board admitted that
362 engines have become out of order and 106 trains have been stopped.
The Chief Justice ordered secretary railways to submit the complete record of the railways till Monday SANA
