Starting over: Minister promises recruitments on merit

MoU signed for recruitment tests in railway police.

LAHORE:

Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique said on Saturday all recruitments in Pakistan Railways would be made on merit and no political pressures would be allowed.

Rafique was talking to newsmen after the inauguration of the new-locomotive Jaffar Express. The locomotives were imported from China last week.

Rafique said he did not want to comment on the rigging allegations raised by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), saying he had wasted enough time on doing that and wanted to focus now on railway affairs.

“In the past, recruitments in railways were made on political grounds but this time we will ensure transparency and merit in employment,” Rafique said.

Responding a question, Rafique said there was no proposal to raise fares.

He said new locomotives were being imported.

He said about $500 was required daily for maintenance of locomotives but only $50 was being spent currently, due to scarcity of funds.

Railway police and NTS sign agreement

Recruitment of constables and ASIs in Railway Police has started.

Physical tests will be held at Railway Police Lines in Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and Karachi.

After the physical test, a list will be provided to the NTS for giving written examinations. The NTS will give the tests over 25 days and the results will be used by the railway police IG for short listing candidates for interviews.

A ceremony was held at Pakistan Railways headquarters where an MOU was signed by Railway Police IG and NTS secretary.

Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique was also present.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 18^th, 2014.