Supreme Court orders complete audit of Pakistan Railways

LAHORE: The Supreme Court ordered the complete audit of Pakistan Railways during the suo motu hearing of alleged Rs60 billion corruption in the department.

A two-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Nisar, heard the case at apex court’s Lahore Registry on Saturday.

During the court proceedings, the CJP reprimanded Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique for his statements defending his department. The CJP observed that the time when institutions were disrespected has passed. “You should have seen what your body language was like. If you don't respect the institutions, then no one will respect you,” chief justice remarked while speaking to the railways minister.

Reasoning his behaviour, Rafique said that the statements made by him at different locations were against his political opponents. “There is a misunderstanding which I want to clear. I can leave if you don’t want to hear me out,” he said.

Responding to this, the Chief Justice remarked: “We are well-aware of your intentions. If you leave the court then contempt proceedings will be initiated against you.”

Rafique also shared that the revenue of railways department is Rs50 billion with a deficit of Rs35 billion. “There are many reasons behind the losses. If you conduct an audit then you will become content with our performance,” he said.

The railways minister also added that there will be visible improvement in the department in the next 12 years. Over which, the CJP remarked: “Should the court then allow you to continue your appointment without contesting elections for the next 12 years?”

In no mood for more confrontation: Rafique

Talking to the media, Khawaja Saad Rafique said that he had given all his life to the railways and now he was in no mood for more confrontation.

Talking to the media, the minister said that he had worked hard for the betterment of the railways along with every other employ of this institution.

Rafique also said that when he had joined the railways, it was in a heavy debt, but he worked hard to make sure it was not the case anymore.

He also emphasised on the fact that during his tenure not only had he helped in saving the railways from being privatised when every other intuition was, he had also worked towards modernising it.

People can now buy tickets online instead of coming all the way to the railway station to purchase them, said Rafique.

The railway has also seen an increase in customers during his tenure, said the federal minister.

He also mentioned how he does not practice nepotism in his department like the other MNAs and MPAs.

Rafique added that things cannot change in an instance, as it takes time for things to take a turn. It can take another 10 to 12 years before things get completely stabilised for the railways.

On April 7, the top judge had taken suo motu notice of alleged Rs60 billion corruption in the Pakistan Railways. The top judge had also summoned railways minister, secretary and board members along with the audit report.

He had observed that Indian former railways minister Lalu Prasad was not well-educated yet he made the Indian Railways very profitable. “Today, the reforms brought about by Lalu Prasad are being taught at Harvard University,” he added.

On the other hand, in Pakistan, the railways is only said to be profitable only in rallies. “But the claims are far from reality,” he remarked, asserting “This is not a kingdom where people are free to do as they please.”