Railways Federal Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique on Monday said that inefficient and tardy department heads within Railways would be replaced with qualified, competent and motivated officers.
During a media briefing, the Railways minister said that their employees faced political pressure during the last tenure and problems were created due “corrupt” officers’ appointments in the past.
He stressed that the newly elected government would not allow politically motivated appointments, transfers or promotions and added that all offices would be headed by honest officers with a clean track record.
Khawaja Saad said that a re-structuring plan for the Railways was being prepared, and it would be finalised after joint consultation with the trade union, experts and retired employees.
He told the media that a five-year vision would be sketched which would be reviewed annually.
“I have focused on locomotives and improving tracks and freight trains and have ordered to improve the services of Tez Gam Express, Karakoram, Quetta and Karachi Express by July 31”, he informed.
He said that new and restored locomotives would be included next year of which two thirds would be specified for freight trains. He also announced that two more freight trains would be launched soon.
The minister said that an independent Vigilance Cell headed by a retired judge would be established, and all irresponsible officials would be removed.
He also said that a grade 20 officer from the Press Information Department would be deputed as public relations director. He was hopeful that this important state institution could be overhauled if concerted and dedicated efforts were made.