PSO dues not cleared yet: train operations to be badly hit across country

Pakistan Railways operations would be badly hit across the country if its fuel stocks were not immediately replenished, well-placed sources in the railway ministry told Business Recorder. A spokesman for PSO said that it had provided one million litres diesel to Pakistan Railways considering national and common man's interest.
"Pakistan Railways owes us Rs 900 million and they need to manage their finances and make payment to the fuel supplier," the spokesman added. According to the break-up, several cheques issued by Pakistan Railways to PSO have been dishonoured due to insufficient funds since December 2010. Train service in Balochistan has been suspended for last two days and it is likely that the train service in the entire country will be affected if PSO dues were not cleared immediately, sources said.
The railway ministry is in touch with the finance ministry and has also sent a request to immediately release Rs 1 billion to avoid rail service suspension, sources revealed. Sources added that PR pays approximately Rs 18 billion per annum for oil and due to financial constraints the finance ministry has been unable to release the required amount. The railway ministry has been able to pay the salaries of its employees from its monthly income estimated at Rs 1900 million.
When contacted, Mohammad Saleem, Director Operation and spokesperson for Pakistan Railways confirmed that the finance ministry has not released the required amount for fuel for the ongoing month due to which it has become difficult to continue train operation. Sources said that government had promised a supplementary grant of Rs 11 billion for Railways which has also not been released yet. The railway ministry has already approached the Finance Ministry to release the promised amount, they added.