Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar has shed light on a critical issue plaguing Pakistan's railway sector, revealing that a staggering 68 percent of the railway budget is allocated to the salaries and pensions of railway employees. This revelation came to the forefront during a question period in the Senate session on Wednesday, where concerns over railway management were extensively discussed. The Ministry of Railways submitted a written reply during the session, disclosing that 93 railway officials have faced punitive actions for corruption over the past five years. This disclosure underscores the government's ongoing efforts to combat corruption within the railway sector. Senator Shahadat Awan, speaking at the Senate meeting, drew a stark comparison, highlighting that the number of casualties from train accidents exceeds those from the 1965 war, emphasizing the urgency of addressing railway safety concerns.

Tarar echoed concerns over the allocation of the railway budget, emphasizing that addressing pension obligations remains a significant challenge for the railways. Despite these challenges, he pointed out positive developments, noting a notable increase in railway revenue resulting from anti-corruption measures implemented last year. Law Minister Tarar commended the diligent efforts of Khawaja Saad Rafiq in enhancing railway revenue, citing a remarkable 23.251% increase in 2022 compared to previous years. The issue of corruption within the railways has been entrusted to the standing committee for further investigation and action.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan