Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi has directed authorities to intensify the ongoing anti-encroachment campaign, reaffirming that Pakistan Railways will not leave an inch of its land to anyone.
Chairing a meeting to review the performance of the Multan Division, the minister reiterated his zero-tolerance policy against encroachments and emphasized the department’s commitment to improving passenger services.
“We will not take an inch of anyone else’s land, but we will not leave an inch of railway land to anyone,” Abbasi declared during the meeting.
According to a detailed briefing, the Multan Division’s overall performance remained satisfactory despite disruptions caused by recent floods. Train punctuality improved to 88 percent in the current fiscal year, compared to 86 percent during the same period last year.
The division’s revenue increased by Rs. 77 million in the first quarter of the fiscal year, while a vigorous campaign against ticketless travel generated an additional Rs. 13.5 million. In line with the minister’s directive, strict measures have also been enforced to curb theft and smuggling.
Under the ongoing anti-encroachment drive, 87.5 acres of railway land have so far been retrieved, with Abbasi ordering that the effort be pursued with even greater determination.
The Divisional Superintendent (DS) Multan briefed the meeting that the solarization project in the division was progressing successfully. Fourteen stations, including the DS Office Multan, have been completely converted to solar energy, resulting in Rs. 30 million in electricity savings during the current fiscal year.
The DS further informed that the staff rationalization process was underway to ensure efficient use of resources, while pensions to retired employees were being paid timely and without delay.
He added that monthly open courts (Khuli Kachehris) were being held regularly to resolve passenger complaints and improve service delivery.
Directing all divisional officers, Hanif Abbasi urged them to conduct regular inspections, interact with passengers, and ensure zero negligence in service delivery.
Reaffirming Pakistan Railways’ broader vision, the minister said the organization remained fully committed to providing safe, reliable, and comfortable travel facilities to passengers across the country.
