Railways land occupied by defence forces: Supreme Court directs chief secretaries, secretary Defence to retrieve land

The Supreme Court on Thursday directed all the Chief Secretaries of provinces and Federal Defence Secretary to retrieve the occupied land of Pakistan Railways department from the defence forces, Rangers, Frontier Corps (FC) and other private companies.
A three-member bench of apex court headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry sought detailed report from government within three weeks while hearing a suo motu case regarding irregularities and non-payment of salaries to the employees of Pakistan Railways.
During the proceeding, the bench appreciated the NAB interim investigation report on irregularities in PR department and issued directives to the NAB to co-operate with Railways department for retrieval of the occupied land. It is to be noted that more than 3,300 acres of PR land is still under occupation of Defence forces, Rangers and FC throughout the country.
Additional Prosecutor General NAB Akbar Tarar appeared before the bench and submitted the NAB interim investigation report about the irregularities in PR. He informed the bench that NAB had recovered Rs 60 millions regarding the award of scrap contracts at throwaway prices.
He also informed that investigations on award of illegal lease of PR land to the Gulf Club was also under way, adding that the inquiry about the award of contract for purchasing spare parts was also being conducted and all the relevant record has been recovered. During the hearing, the CJP appreciated the Chairman NAB efforts for recovery of the national wealth. The court adjourned the hearing for three weeks.