ISLAMABAD: Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has said that the ministry is planning to clear out the Karachi Circular Railway track on the orders of the Supreme Court.

About 10,000 illegal houses spread over 260 acres of land built around the 27km-long track will be demolished to pave the way for the circular train. Directives are being issued to the divisional superintendent of Pakistan Railways Karachi to gear up the drive.

Speaking to reporters, the railways minister hinted at the possibility of allowing some of the encroached land to be leased out in exchange of payment at the market rate. The option, if available, would only be extended in areas that the railways does not particularly have utility for. However, those who are unwilling to make such payments, will be asked to vacate and the railways will not be responsible for any losses.

Mr Rashid added that the railways could possibly compensate people who are affected by the drive to clear out the land, but only if funds are available. If there is no money, he claimed, he would not be liable for any compensation.

He further claimed that he was not responsible for what had been happening for the past 70 years. The minister did, however, claim that he was trying to work out a solution for the problem, and that the government might build residential quarters for the people who would be forced to vacate their properties. Housing is clearly an extremely important issue in Pakistan, he said.

Mr Ahmed also announced that all school crossings around railway tracks would be banned for the safety of children.

Meanwhile, the ministry welcomes a new secretary — Muhammad Jalal Sikandar Sultan, a grade-22 officer of the Pakistan Administrative Service, who took office on Monday, replacing Javed Anwar, who was removed on the directions of Prime Minister Imran Khan. Mr Anwar, who also served as the general manager for operations at the railways headquarters in Lahore, has been asked to report to Establishment Division.

Published in Dawn, November 27th, 2018