Cases involve illegal occupation, disputed leases and unpaid dues across Lahore, Karachi, Mardan, Balochistan
Pakistan Railways has referred cases involving alleged fraud and illegal occupation of hundreds of acres of railway land, valued at over Rs40 billion, to the National Accountability Bureau.
Railway sources said preliminary investigations against officials and private firms were initiated but could not be concluded. Following approval from Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, the cases were formally referred to NAB, which has since initiated inquiries based on records provided by the Ministry of Railways.
NAB sources confirmed that formal investigations have commenced after receiving official requests and documentation from Pakistan Railways. A committee constituted by the Ministry of Railways will assist NAB by providing relevant records, technical input and legal support during the inquiry.
The cases referred to NAB include alleged irregularities involving:
• Leasing of railway land to Royal Palm Country Club, with outstanding dues exceeding Rs216.2 million.
• A warehouse lease and office occupation on two acres near Mardan Railway Station, involving suspected losses of over Rs25 million.
• Use of 42 acres of railway land in Karachi Ghot, with alleged losses exceeding Rs203 million.
• Leasing of land to HTCL in Chaman and Quetta and the alleged illegal occupation of commercial railway property amounting to over Rs3.1 billion.
• Leasing of 18 acres in Lahore’s Trust Hospital Shalimar area, valued at over Rs3.151 billion.
• Outsourcing payments exceeding Rs257.2 million to Four Brothers Company under the Pak Business Train scheme.
Investigations are under way with support from a four-member committee formed by the Ministry of Railways. The committee comprises General Manager Infrastructure M. Hafizullah as focal person and chair, Director General Property and Land Shahid Abbas Malik, Super Chief Commercial Manager Tariq Anwar, and Legal Advisor Salman Kazmi.
Railway officials said the cases involving alleged fraud and illegal occupation had remained pending for years. During a recent high-level meeting, the minister was briefed in detail and subsequently authorised referring the cases to NAB, directing that the process be conducted in a transparent manner.
Speaking to reporters, Abbasi said Pakistan Railways must be made 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 position. He also confirmed that a four-member committee had been constituted to ensure smooth coordination with NAB.
