ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet is likely to approve the proposed restructuring/revival plan for Pakistan Railways (PR) mainly to improve its performance.
According to sources, the proposed revival plan of Pakistan Railways was earlier shared with the Planning Commission as well as finance, establishment and law & justice divisions for necessary input. Subsequently, the Planning Commission raised certain queries that have been incorporated in the plan, while finance, establishment and law & justice divisions are yet to submit their replies.
As per details, the proposed plan mainly focuses on areas of governance, organizational restructuring and management, operational efficiency through private sector participation, digitalization, financial sustainability and human resources management.
It may be noted that the Supreme Court, during the hearing of a case on 9th July 2020, had given a month’s time to Planning Commission (with effect from 20th Aug) to submit a report on the PR structure. The apex court had raised serious questions on the performance of PR, noting that its employees are “not fit to operate the department”.
Adviser to Prime Minister on Institutional Reforms and Austerity Dr Ishrat Hussain was tasked to prepare a comprehensive report on restructuring of Pakistan Railways. The report would be submitted before the federal cabinet tomorrow (Tuesday) for necessary approval.
Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad has seen and authorised the submission of the summary to the federal cabinet.
Sources said that the government and PR have been undertaking an ambitious investment programme of more than Rs1,100 billion ($6.8 billion), with an additional Rs500 billion ($3 billion) through PSDP and private sector engagement, in the next 8-10 years.
They said that these investments will upgrade the mainline between Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Peshawar, thus increasing the capacity on the rail network manifold. But to harness this investment and put it to good use, Pakistan Railways must change from its foundation to its management structure, they added.
According to documents, Pakistan Railways (PR) is one of the largest public sector enterprises in the country. It currently employs 68,750 people across the country and for the financial year 2019-20, it had a total budgetary outlay of Rs97.74 billion.
The organization is based on obsolete technology and is still governed primarily by the Railways Act of 1890, enacted by the British government. PR currently maintains about 11,700km track and operates 454 railway stations. It has 325 functional locomotives, 1214 functional passenger coaches and 3700 high capacity freight wagons.
Analyze on facts, Pakistan Water and Power Dewelopment Authority (Wapda) Telegraph and Telephone was two big organizations, thereafter was the Railway.
Wapda and T&T was giving much profit to the state but Corruption and Corrupt Practices of the ruling elite distruct everything, through Mafia’s like privatization Commission of Pakistan.
First distruct T&T thereafter Wapda and now Pakistan Railway. No state organization questioning, no check and balance, everywhere Mafia’s enjoying the benefits from taxpayer’s money without delevering anything except making money.
PTI government’s slogan WAS “CORRUPTION FREE PAKISTAN”
But it’s against their slogans, Corruption increased almost 100%
No check and balance in any means, NAB did nothing against big Mafia’s except black mailing Political parties,
Similar happening in FIA ACC, billions Corruption Case could be converted into some millions
FIA ACC ISLAMABAD lodged an FIR number 10/2019 against fraudsters in IESCO, inquiry gone down the drain, FIA facilitating this Mafia. Identical IESCO billing fraud Case challenged in Supreme Court of Pakistan.
I am sure nothing will happen because, Mafia’s in Politics and other departments will approach there for stopping that….
Pakistan is Paradise for Corrupt Mafia,
Pakistan is Paradise for looters, cheaters and fraudsters.
Cabinet enjoying the situation and silent Spectator, they needs benefits and enjoying their lives….