The cases relate to illegal occupation, disputed leases and unpaid dues in Lahore, Karachi, Mardan and Balochistan.
Pakistan Railways has referred cases of alleged fraud and illegal occupation of hundreds of acres of railway land, valued at over Rs 40 billion, to the National Accountability Bureau.
Railway sources said preliminary investigations against officials and private companies had been initiated but could not be concluded. After approval from Federal Minister of Railways Hanif Abbasi, the cases were formally referred to the NAB, which has since initiated investigations based on records provided by the Ministry of Railways.
NAB sources confirmed that formal investigations have begun after receiving official requests and documents from Pakistan Railways. A committee constituted by the Ministry of Railways will assist the NAB by providing relevant records, technical input and legal support during the investigation.
Cases referred to NAB include alleged irregularities involving:
• Leasing of railway land at Royal Palm Country Club, with unpaid dues exceeding Rs216.2 million.
• A warehouse lease and office occupation on two acres near Mardan railway station, involving alleged losses of over Rs25 million.
• Utilization of 42 acres of railway land at Karachi Ghot, with alleged losses exceeding Rs 203 million.
• Leasing of land to HTCL in Chaman and Quetta and alleged illegal occupation of commercial railway properties amounting to over Rs3.1 billion.
• Lease of 18 acres in Trust Hospital Shalimar area of Lahore, valued at over Rs3.151 billion.
• Outsourcing payments exceeding Rs257.2 million to Four Brothers Company under the Pak Business Train program.
Investigations are underway with the support of a four-member committee formed by the Ministry of Railways. The committee includes Director General Infrastructure Mr. Hafizullah as focal person and chairman, Director General Property and Land Shahid Abbas Malik, Super Chief Commercial Director Tariq Anwar and Legal Advisor Salman Kazmi.
Railway officials said cases involving allegations of fraud and illegal occupancy had remained unresolved for years. In a recent high-level meeting, the minister was briefed in detail and subsequently authorized referral of the cases to NAB, directing that the process be conducted in a transparent manner.
Speaking to reporters, Abbasi said Pakistan Railways must become self-sufficient, improve passenger services and eliminate corruption. He said no officer involved in wrongdoing would be spared, adding that accountability would apply regardless of their position. He also confirmed that a four-member committee had been constituted to ensure proper coordination with the NAB.
