A fraudulent recruitment scandal has been uncovered in Pakistan Railways, where individuals were duped into paying large sums of money in exchange for false job appointments.
According to sources, unsuspecting individuals were lured with false promises of employment in Pakistan Railways and made to perform fake duties at locations such as Lahore Railway Station and the diesel shed.
Bogus appointment letters were issued, and significant amounts of money were collected from the victims.
The Railway Police in Lahore have registered a case against several suspects, including Arsalan, Iftikhar Ahmed (station master), Usman (clerk), and a platform inspector. The accused have fled with millions of rupees.
Sources reveal that transactions took place in the office of Iftikhar Ahmed at Lahore Railway Station, and raids are currently underway to apprehend the suspects. Arsalan, a private individual, is a close friend of the station master.
The scam came to light when the victims requested their salaries after working fake shifts for a month. Upon receiving complaints from the affected individuals, the Railway Police registered a case, and investigations are ongoing.
Funds for Railway Police
Meanwhile, the Senate's Committee on Railways on Friday expressed concerns about the scarcity of funds for the Railway Police and over an incomplete briefing on theft incidents.
The committee, which met with Senator Jam Saifullah Khan in the chair, was briefed on the issues raised by Senator Shahadat Awan regarding theft incidents, embezzlement of funds, scrap cases, and financial losses faced by the Pakistan Railways over the last five years.
The committee members expressed their displeasure over the briefing provided by the Railways Ministry on the theft incidents and misappropriation. They directed that a detailed one should be provided on the issues in the next meeting.
Inspector General of Railway Police Rao Sardar Ali Khan highlighted that the Railway Police lacked human resources and necessary funds for maintaining law and order and curbing theft.
Even it did not have funds to pay compensation to its Shuhada (martyrs), he added.
Committee Chairman Jam Saifullah Khan stated that the Railway Police played a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of commuters and preventing theft. He directed the Railway Police to inform the committee about the problems being faced by the department and suggestions for the betterment of its performance.
The committee also urged the government to take steps for the capacity building of the Railway Police.
Senator Kamil Ali Agha remarked that people around the world preferred to travel by rail keeping in mind their safety though the railway fares were generally higher compared to those of aeroplanes.
As regards the 105-kilometer-long Tharparkar railway track, Secretary Railways Syed Mazhar Ali Shah informed the committee that the contract for the project had been awarded, which was likely to be completed by December 2025.
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