The cases involve illegal occupation, disputed tenancies and unpaid dues in Lahore, Karachi, Mardan and Balochistan.
Pakistan Railways has referred cases related to 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 were launched against officials and private companies, but could not be concluded. Following the approval of Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, the cases were formally referred to the NAB, which has since launched investigations based on records provided by the Ministry of Railways.
NAB sources confirmed that formal investigations have been initiated 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 inputs and legal support during the investigation.
The cases referred to the NAB include alleged irregularities involving:
• Leasing of railway land to Royal Palm Country Club, with outstanding dues exceeding Rs 216.2 million.
• Leasing of a warehouse and occupation of offices on two acres near Mardan railway station, involving suspicious losses of over Rs 25 million.
• Use of 42 acres of railway land in 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 worth over Rs 3,100 crore.
• Leasing of 18 acres in Shalimar Hospital Trust area of Lahore, valued at over Rs 3,151 crore.
• Outsourcing payments exceeding Rs 257.2 million to Four Brothers Company under the Pak Business Train scheme.
Investigations are being carried out with the support of a four-member committee formed by the Ministry of Railways. The committee comprises Director General Infrastructure M. 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 of alleged fraud and squatting had remained pending for years. During a recent high-level meeting, the minister was briefed in detail and subsequently authorized the referral of the cases to the NAB, directing that the process be carried out in a transparent manner.
Speaking to reporters, Abbasi said Pakistan Railways must become self-reliant, 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 smooth coordination with the NAB.
