“We were preparing a five year plan to revamp railways” says Rafique. PHOTO: FILE
LAHORE: Re-structuring of Pakistan Railways and eradication of corrupt elements were at the top of the agenda to make the entity self-sustainable and financially sound, Federal minister Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique said while addressing a press conference at Mayo Garden before addressing officers.
It had been decided in principle to remove all corrupt officials from key slots, he said. Rafique said that a re-structuring plan is being prepared, adding that it would be finalised after joint consultations with trade unions, experts and retired employees.
Management had requested posting a retired judge as Director Legal Department to deal with all court cases and issues, a retired judge to head an independent Vigilance Cell, while the Press Information Department was asked to appoint a Director for Public Relations to establish relations with the media, Rafique said.
The minister said that service quality in four passenger trains (Karakoram Express, Tezgam, Quetta Express and Karachi Express) will be improved by 29th July to attract and facilitate passengers, while two freight trains would be added shortly.
“We were preparing a five year plan to revamp railways” said Rafique, adding that repair work on rail tracks would be given priority.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 2nd, 2013.
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He will bring railway on track very soon.
Khwaja sb.
Inshallah you will succeed in revamping the Pakistan Railways. Our support is with you.
Khwaja sb. Inshallah God will help you to revamp the Pakistan Railways. Our great support is with you.
berak the unions. they are the very reason PR, PIA and other SOEs are used for political patronage with no thought given to financial performance.
Mr.Saad Raqfique is smart and hard working person and we hope Railways will improve very fast.He should not only travell by rail but also suggest other Ministers and dignataries to travell by rail. Railway officers should not be allowed to travell in special bogies but with other passengers. Railway is over-staffed and and a heavy retrenchment is needed of the ghost employees and those who are not willing workers. Some main workshops of Railway should be shifted to other cities to avoid many mal-practices. Several senior officers are also contractors and suppliers directly and indirectly and should be searched and sacked.
Good luck. Khawaja sb., its about time that you should also opt to travel by train. This will also give you first hand expeirence and understanding as well it will actually help quick improvements. I just hope the improvements are sustainable and spending is transparent.
"while the Press Information Department was asked to appoint a Director for Public Relations to establish relations with the media, Rafique said." Yeah, hire more spin doctors who could just do the magic and portray how great the railways and it's minister is doing. Just pathetic.