Getting back on track
The issue with the railways is not government corruption, but rather that of bad management.
The fact that Pakistan Railways waited until it got sued for not paying its employees and pensioners just means that instead of being able to negotiate with the finance ministry on the contours of a deal, they will now get a court-ordered restructuring, likely to be a far more painful process than would otherwise have been possible had Pakistan Railways, and the railways ministry, acted earlier.
October 31’s hearing in the Supreme Court of Pakistan into the case of railway pensioners not being paid on time suggested that the apex court will likely address the broader issues of the finances of the national carrier. The court’s questions about the purchases and repairs of locomotives means that the superior judiciary recognises that the root of the problem is not a temporary financial one, but a broader one that involves grossly incompetent management and an utter failure to come up with and execute a strategic vision.
The railways are an important national institution. Few realise that, even with the badly maintained locomotives, rail transportation is by far the cheapest way to move goods across the country. Getting this institution back on its feet is important, which is why it is equally crucial to diagnose the problem properly. Pakistan Railways should also consider following India’s example. They have computerised their ticketing system to minimise theft, which in the Pakistani case is quite significant.
The issue with the railways is not government corruption, but rather that of bad management and a refusal to adapt to changing circumstances to come up with innovative solutions. The problem did not originate under this administration and we would like to commend Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh for seeking more permanent solutions. Railways Minister Ghulam Ahmed Bilour of the Awami National Party, however, has consistently refused to cooperate and seems to lack the vision and leadership capacity necessary to turn around an important national institution. If he cannot do the job himself, he should perhaps turn it over to somebody who can.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 2nd, 2011.
October 31’s hearing in the Supreme Court of Pakistan into the case of railway pensioners not being paid on time suggested that the apex court will likely address the broader issues of the finances of the national carrier. The court’s questions about the purchases and repairs of locomotives means that the superior judiciary recognises that the root of the problem is not a temporary financial one, but a broader one that involves grossly incompetent management and an utter failure to come up with and execute a strategic vision.
The railways are an important national institution. Few realise that, even with the badly maintained locomotives, rail transportation is by far the cheapest way to move goods across the country. Getting this institution back on its feet is important, which is why it is equally crucial to diagnose the problem properly. Pakistan Railways should also consider following India’s example. They have computerised their ticketing system to minimise theft, which in the Pakistani case is quite significant.
The issue with the railways is not government corruption, but rather that of bad management and a refusal to adapt to changing circumstances to come up with innovative solutions. The problem did not originate under this administration and we would like to commend Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh for seeking more permanent solutions. Railways Minister Ghulam Ahmed Bilour of the Awami National Party, however, has consistently refused to cooperate and seems to lack the vision and leadership capacity necessary to turn around an important national institution. If he cannot do the job himself, he should perhaps turn it over to somebody who can.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 2nd, 2011.