Federal Minister for Pakistan Railway, Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour on Monday said that the letter of intent (LoI) for the Chinese locomotives deal with was issued during the tenure of the previous government. The Chinese firm had threatened to go into litigation if the deal was cancelled after the Finance Division and the Ministry of Law granted final approval, the minister said while addressing a press conference, here on Monday.
"The Finance Ministry and the Law Ministry okayed the project but Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) had raised objections on the deal," the minister said, adding that 15 percent down payment for the 75 locomotives has already been made to the company. Responding to a question regarding the closure of more trains, the minister said that no train would go off track in future.
He said that Railways suffered a loss of Rs 4 billion due to the worst floods across the country, as its infrastructure including railway lines were destroyed. He further said that 119 trains were operated for the flood victims for which Pakistan Railway bears Rs 3.5 million.
Bilour said that a particular lobby is hatching conspiracies against his family. "We are fighting for safeguarding democracy and democratic institutions in the country, but unfortunately, it was not digested by undemocratic forces," he added. Bilour said that Peshawar Corps Commander has warned him that he and his brother are on the target of the terrorists.
Criticising MQM chief's statement, he said: "Altaf Hussain is spreading anarchy in the country by inviting flood victims to occupy properties of others which is against the Islamic teachings," he added. Bilour dispelled the impression that he performed Umrah on government expenses saying that this is a baseless allegation.