CJP remarked that the ML1 project has not yet been completed despite acquisition of billions of dollars
ISLAMABAD
The Supreme Court has expressed dissatisfaction over the performance of the Pakistan Railways, seeking a comprehensive plan to revive the department. While hearing the case regarding implementation of Old Railway Golf Club verdict, Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial remarked that the railway sectors all around the world provide revenue to their governments but here in Pakistan it was being run on billions of loans.
The apex court ordered Secretary Railways Muzaffar Ranjha who was present in the courtroom to submit a comprehensive plan within two weeks to make Pakistan Railway a profitable department. The court then adjourned hearing of the case to the week starting from January 23.
During the proceedings, the railway secretary sought court’s permission to lease out railway land to generate revenue. “We cannot do so now because of court’s stay order,” he added.
The CJP further remarked that the ML1 project has not yet been completed despite acquisition of billions of dollars.
The secretary said this project is worth $9.8 billion which was approved by ECNEC. There had already been infrastructure in the country worth billion of dollars but nothing has been delivered so far, the CJP said.
Justice Bandial said during court vacations he had travelled in a train. “There was still floodwater stranded on both sides of the track,” he added.
