Rs 70 billion irregularities detected in Pakistan Railways audit of FY 2017-18
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ISLAMABAD - The Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has detected misappropriation, irregularities, mismanagement and operational inefficiencies of over Rs 70 billion in Pakistan Railways.
The audit report on the accounts of Pakistan Railways for the year 2017-18 revealed:
- theft, embezzlement and blockage of capital worth Rs 27.56 billion (39%) - issues related to Railways land worth Rs 27.66 billion (39%) - recoveries pointed out worth Rs 11.336 billion (16%) - issues related Public Sector Development projects worth Rs 3.9 billion (6%)
In six cases, auditable record was not provided for audit scrutiny.
The total operational working expenses amounting to Rs 80.38 billion were much higher than the gross earnings of Rs 40.064 billion and resulted in an operational loss of Rs 40.316 billion.
Encroachment of Railway land valuing Rs 26.64 billion was noticed in the Audit. It was observed that 6487 acres land valued at about Rs 13.21 billion was encroached by individuals, government departments and defense due to Railway’s negligence. The AGP recommended that action be taken for early retrieval/regularization of land and responsibility be fixed against those found negligent.
The audit further observed that PR sustained a loss of Rs 13.557 billion on account of inordinate delay in repair of locomotives. Further recoverables amounting to Rs 10.013 billion were noticed in the report.
