Federal Constitutional Court Slams Railway Officials Over Encroachments, Seeks Detailed Report

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Constitutional Court on Thursday sharply criticized railway authorities for widespread encroachments on Pakistan Railways’ land, warning that officials “sitting comfortably in air-conditioned rooms” are responsible for the unchecked occupation of national assets.

A two-member bench comprising Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi and Justice K.K. Agha heard the case concerning illegal occupations on railway property. The judges remarked that Pakistan Railways had “kept its eyes closed” while informal settlements, industries, and entire villages were established on its land. They added that if officials remained inactive, such encroachments were inevitable.

The bench expressed regret that since the time of Pakistan’s creation, the country’s rail infrastructure had shrunk significantly, noting that “half the trains and railway tracks no longer exist,” and once well-maintained clubs and hospitals had also disappeared.

During the hearing, Railway Counsel Shah Khawar informed the court that out of the 1,359 kanals allocated by the Punjab government for a katchi abadi in Rawalpindi, 1,288 kanals had now been retrieved. Taking notice, the court sought a detailed report on the recovery of encroached land and action taken against those responsible for the illegal occupations.

The case was adjourned after the court reiterated the need for accountability and a comprehensive land restitution plan.