Summary Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi rejects 19 percent loss report, cites reduced costs, reforms and record Rs115 billion revenue target.
RAWALPINDI (Web Desk) — Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi has rejected the Auditor General’s recent report regarding a 19 percent loss in Pakistan Railways, terming it contrary to facts.
Speaking to media at the Rawalpindi Railway Loco Shed, Hanif Abbasi said the Auditor General’s report was misleading and appeared aimed at restricting the development of Pakistan Railways.
He claimed that the reported 19 percent loss did not reflect the actual situation, adding that operational costs had been reduced by Rs3.6 billion during the last four months, which he described as equivalent to achieving operational gains.
The federal minister said the government provides Rs63 billion annually as a grant for pension payments and would continue efforts to ensure pensioners receive their dues. He termed railway pensioners a valuable asset of the institution.
Talking about reforms, Hanif Abbasi said the process of restructuring and digitalisation in Pakistan Railways was progressing rapidly.
He added that Pakistan Railways, in its 178-year history, had achieved its highest-ever revenue target of Rs115 billion for the first time.
