Trains’ case hearing to continue

The chief justice was expected to reserve his verdict, but he found new points came up during the proceedings.


Express August 13, 2010

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court has adjourned till August 16 proceedings in a petition against the closure of passenger trains by Pakistan Railways.

The chief justice was expected to reserve his verdict on Wednesday, but he found new points came up during the course of the proceedings that needed further explanation and so he decided there should be a further hearing on August 16.

The petitioner, Pakistan Railways Union secretary general Rana Shaukat Ali, says that the railways authorities’ decision to close six intercity trains  Mehran Express, Sialkot Express, Sakhi Abbas Express, Tezrao Express, Chiltan Express and Shalimar Express – hurt passengers. It had also cost several railways employees their jobs, and so the court should order that the train services be restored.

In its reply, Pakistan Railways said it closed the trains because they were causing heavy losses – they earned Rs1,066.828 million a year while they cost Rs2,470.55 million.

CJ directs chief secretary to submit a report about BISE allowance:

Lahore High Court Chief Justice directed Punjab chief secretary on Thursday to submit a report about the alleged non provision of 50 per cent Adhoc-Allowance 2010 to employees of Lahore and Faisalabad Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE).

The chief justice issued these directions while taking suo motu notice on the application of the president of Employees Welfare Association. By treating the application as a petition under Article 199(1)(c) of the Constitution, the CJ said, “I would like to know the actual facts for which purpose chief secretary government of the Punjab is directed to submit a report in the matter.”  The CJ directed the Advocate General to ensure compliance of his order and appear before the court for assistance in the matter. He fixed August 16 for hearing of the case.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 13th, 2010.

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