PR No. 116 CLARIFICATION / REBUTTAL Islamabad

The news published in national “Dailies” dated 12 & 13 August 2016 about the downfall of Pakistan Railways is absolutely baseless and seems to be the part of particular campaign of disinformation about a flourishing organization. Such type of rumors shatters the public confidence and discourages the dedicated management who is thriving hard to change the destiny of an ailing organization.

The present regime took the charge of Pakistan Railways at the close of financial year 2012-13, when the operational and financial health of the Pakistan Railways was at the worst. The present dedicated team of the Railways officers and official under the leadership of Federal Railways Minister, Khawaja Saad Rafique diagnosed the causes of ailment of the organization and then worked days and nights to put the Pakistan Railways on the right track. The following table shows the result of this hard work:

In three years time the earnings of Pakistan Railways have jumped from Rs. 18.078 billion to Rs. 36.581 billion and the deficit has been brought down to Rs. 26.993 billion from Rs. 30.504 billion. About 10 million passengers has been added in just three years. The punctuality of Rail arrival and depart time has been much improved. Railways stations give a clean and environment friendly outlook.

By the grace of Almighty Allah, Pakistan Railways has now fuel reserve of about 15 days. New locomotives/coaches are being added to the system to enhance the operational capacities of Pakistan Railways. Due to better financial position, a labour package of about Rs. 500 million was announced during the last financial year for the various categories of Railway employees. Pension system has been revolutionized in Pakistan Railways as, all the employees pensioners of Pakistan Railways are now getting their pension through the bank of their choice instead of standing in long queues to get their pension in a disgraceful manner, a few years back. About 20 Railways station, which are very old and outlived the life are being demolished to construct state of the art building with modern amenities. E-Ticketing has been introduced in Pakistan Railways to further facilitate the passengers. Railways passengers are insured and having benefit in the wake of any accident. Moreover, during the previous financial year, 2015-16 Pakistan Railway contributed approximately Rs. 06 billion towards the increase in Pay and Pension of the Railway employees.

This depiction of the facts clearly shows that time is not far away when Pakistan Railways will be a profit earning department of the Government, as; the whole team is doing its job with sincerity and devotion.

Contrary to the facts & figures mentioned in the New Paper, the administration is expected to achieve the following goals during 2015-16:-

1. Almost double the earning as compared to the year 2012-13.
2. To keep the working/operating expenses within the limits of inflationary rates.
3. To keep the losses/deficits less than the previous years.