ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Friday directed the Secretary Pakistan Railways (PR) to submit complete record indicating that what efforts are being made to ensure the repairing of faulty locomotives and when these will be in running position.
The Court also sought details about the steps, being taken to retrieve other resources of railways including properties and sale of tickets at windows.
The SC Bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, conducted the hearing on suo motu notice regarding delayed payment of dues to the pensioners of Pakistan Railways.
During course of hearing, Secretary Railway Board, Shafiq Ullah, apprised the court that due to shortage of funds, pensioners are facing problems, however adequate arrangements are being made to give pension to them as soon as possible.
He requested the court to pass an order for paying pension from Federal Government budget as other departments are taking pension from it.
The Chief Justice in his remarks said that Pakistan Railways is a commercial department which should generate its resources instead of looking toward the Federal Government.
He said crisis has been prevailing for the last four months but Railways authorities did not bother to resolve the matter.
He said that non-payment to pensioners is violation of human rights and added that pension is the right of all retired government employees including Railways.
The Chief Justice also warned that the court could halt payment of salaries of high-ranking Pakistan Railways officials if dues of the pensioners were not cleared immediately.
He also directed the Secretary to ask Chairman Railways to take immediate steps for opening the accounts of pensioners near their residences on priority basis and transfer money in their accounts.
When inquired about overall condition of Railway Department, the Secretary told the court that there are 106 trains off the track now because of faults in locomotives.
He said around 362 locomotives are non-functional due to mechanical fault; however negotiations are underway with different companies for repairing of 273 locomotives.
The CJ asked the Secretary Railways why he did not resign when Railway engines were out of order and the trains were suspended.
Paksitan's brilliant people had made nuclear bomb many years ago but unfortunately Railways officials could not repair engines, he added.
He said many officers holding the posts for a long time, had failed to deliver and if they could not perform their duties they should give chance to someone else as the country abounds with talented people.
"Personal interests of a few had destroyed the system of Pakistan Railways" he added.
The Chief Justice expressed displeasure over the absence of Chairman Railways in the court.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Rasheed, former Minister for Railways appeared before the court and said that he is making application to become party in this case as more than 100 millions people are suffering due to stoppage of trains.
The court will hear Sheikh Rasheed view-point during next date of hearing.
Further hearing of the case was adjourned till October 31.
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