ISLAMABAD – Former railways minister and MNA Khawaja Saad Rafique allegedlyreleased precious Railways land worth millions to his front men, sourceshave revealed.
Rafique is facing a new embezzlement probe at the hands of the NationalAccountability Bureau (NAB) regarding the lease of Pakistan Railways’ land.
According to reports, NAB Chairman Justice (r) Javed Iqbal has authorisedan inquiry against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Saad Rafiqueafter the bureau reportedly found him involved in leasing out ‘preciouscommercial land’ of the state-owned railway company for alleged personaland financial gains.
“Commercial land of railways located at Lahore, Kasur and Faisalabad wasillegally leased out for 33 years without due diligence. The land alsoincludes precious state land specifically for filling station sites andcommercial shops. The lease agreements signed are dubious and terms andconditions are vague,” a media report said while quoting a source.
Read Top Stories
It was added that the land was leased “in violation of rules throughcompanies constituted by Railways such as REDAMCO [Railway EstateDevelopment and Marketing Company Pvt Ltd] etc.”
There were certain instances where the land was leased first to a limitedcompany but subsequently the same was illegally transferred in the names ofRafique’s alleged front men.
