Railway workers protest against delay in salaries

Urge federal govt to take responsibility, pay them on time

LAHORE:

Two days ahead of the beginning of the month Jan 30, the railways employees expressed concerns over the delay in disbursement of their salaries, urging the federal government to take responsibility and pay them on time.

The workers who gathered at the Pakistan Railways’ Locomotive Shed here on Monday said that they had not received their salaries on time for the past eight months and demanded immediate resolution to the issue.

They said that those who were putting their lives at risk to restore the railway tracks were in a state of despair.

Branding ceremony

Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique has announced that the branding of specific railway stations and trains of Pakistan will be done within the next 60 days and that the branding equipment and related equipment will be fully protected.

Addressing a branding ceremony organised by a railway subsidiary, Railway Constructions Pakistan Limited (Railcop), the minister said that the Supreme Court accepted their position and allowed the commercial use of railway land for five years.

Rafique stated that the railway sector played an important role in the economy and that the support of the private sector was essential for the progress of the railway sector.

He mentioned that 46 coaches had already arrived in Lahore, with the rest to be manufactured in Pakistan.

He said that similar attempts had been made in the past but were unsuccessful, adding that competent people had been appointed at key positions in the administration and there was no political interference in the railway sector. However, he added that it “takes many years to bring corrupt institutions back on track”.

Acknowledging that the railway sector was facing severe financial difficulties, Rafique said, “We will not give up.”

During the event, it was decided that the administration will provide opportunities to the private sector for the promotion of trains, stations, and infrastructure.

Besides Rafique, PR Chairman Syed Mazhar Ali Shah, Chief Executive Salman Sadiq Sheikh and Railcop MD Syed Najam Saeed as well as representatives from private companies and brands were also present.