Will challenge production orders in SC: Rashid

Minister says he will move top court against Shehbaz’s appointment as PAC chief

RAWALPINDI: Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has said Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif have plundered the national wealth and the latter is claiming to be sick to obtain bail.

Speaking on inauguration of clean and green campaign at Rawalpindi Railway Station on Friday, he lashed out on the opposition, saying both the former ruling parties PML-N and PPP are not sincere with democracy but are only struggling to hide their corruption.

"The leaders of both parties wanted an NRO but on refusal, they are trying to get relaxation on the pretext of illness,” alleged the railways minister claiming those who could not obtain a deal are asking for leniency which will not be provided to anyone.

He further maintained Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif should not be afraid of his appointment as a member of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) as he would play his legal and constitutional role in the committee while refraining from indulging in any controversy.

Rashid also announced he would move the Supreme Court, after decision of Lahore High Court regarding challenge on the appointment of Shehbaz as PAC chairman.



"In believe, an 'immoral' person cannot be appointed chairman of the PAC that's why I will take the matter before the top court," he said adding production orders cannot be issued during physical remand, “I will soon challenge this in the apex court.”

“I am standing with Prime Minister Imran Khan like a shadow,” he said while justifying the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government’s decision of approaching the IMF as a need.

Meanwhile, the railways minister announced two more non-stop trains and the installation of a tracker system in trains by March. He also promised a major change in the railways sector by March 23 and vowed for a massive crackdown on those traveling without fare.

He informed feasibility of the Leh Expressway would be finalised by March this year which would change the fate of the city's residents.  Rashid said the signal free Expressway would start from Sowan Bridge up to Peshawar Road.

“Salaries of the railway police is being made equivalent to the Punjab police and all employees will be promoted by one grade which will bring prosperity to their condition,” he said adding no corrupt would be spared.

He informed a complaint cell has been established in Islamabad which he will monitor himself. He claimed the PM is working hard to take the country out of the crisis and to take it on path to prosperity. The federal minister also planted a sapling in the vicinity of the station and left for Lahore.