SC seeks reports of audited accounts of Pakistan Railways

LAHORE: After taking notice of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) reeling under financial burden, Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar has also shifted his focus on another loss-making entity of the country. 

The chief justice, who headed a bench of the apex court, directed Secretary Pakistan Railways’ and members of the board today to appear before it in the next hearing along with reports of the audited accounts of the entity.

The bench was hearing a case pertaining to the alleged corruption of Rs60 billion in Railways at the Supreme Court’s Karachi registry.

During hearing of the case, Justice Nisar cited the example of former Indian railways minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, saying he despite being an uneducated person reformed Indian railways, making it a profitable organization. His theory being taught at Harvard University, he added.

Whereas, he said, in Pakistan only claims of having made the corporation profitable are made at public meetings, but the real condition of Railways is altogether different.

“This is not an autocracy where people do whatever they want,” the chief justice said.

A day earlier, the apex court summoned a report on 10-year audit of accounts of the national flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), from its Managing Director.

The chief justice has also summoned the officers who have served as managing director of PIA over the last 10 years.

They have been asked to appear before the court on April 12.

According to reports, the chief justice had taken notice of the PIA management halting flight operations on profitable routes and the proposed privatization of the national flag carrier.

The apex court is also said to have slapped a ban on fresh recruitment in PIA till further orders.