PR body to call on PM for approval of bailout package

LAHORE - Members National Assembly Standing Committee on Railways will call on Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani for releasing of Rs 11.1 billion approved bailout package for the restoration of Pakistan Railways. This was assured by the members of the committee to PR Minister Ghulam Ahmad Bilour in a meeting of Standing Committee presided by Sardar Ayyaz Sadiq, Chairman Committee held at Railways Headquarters here on Friday. The minister told the committee that not a single rupee had been given for last three months by the finance department from the bailout package. Indian Railways was provided US$ 12 billion for its restoration by the Indian government, he added. The committee was informed the government had taken over the issue of shortage of fuel and now the PSO would be dealt directly with the government. The PSO will now continue fuel supply to the PR without any break. Railway officers briefed the committee about the approved bailout package, re-usage of lube oil in locomotives, legal affairs, radiator scam and other issues. The committee directed the PR administration to prepare a request summery regarding the meeting with the PM while performance of the PR, release of Rs 6.5 billion funds from PSDP, release of bailout package and hurdles from the finance department would be included in the meeting. The Committee ordered the PR administration to file a comprehensive report about the use of used lube oil after fixing the responsibilities as it damaged 198 locomotives in 2010 and stern action should be taken against the responsible officers and staff. The committee directed the administration to change the lube oil of locomotives after every six months or after every 120,000 km. It was directed by the committee to initiate legal action against the responsible officers and staff for scam of radiators worth billion of rupees. The Committee has sought report regarding the scam within one week.

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