Critical Vacancies and Delayed Promotions Create Administrative Crisis in Pakistan Railways

LAHORE: Pakistan Railways is facing a growing administrative crisis as several key senior positions remain vacant, while officers are being assigned additional charge to keep operations running.
According to official sources, multiple important posts in Grade 19, 20, and 21 are currently unfilled, causing serious difficulties in day-to-day administrative affairs. Due to the shortage of senior officers, some responsibilities are being handled through temporary arrangements.
The post of General Manager Railways Welfare (Grade 21) has remained vacant for several days after the appointment of Muhammad Hafizullah as CEO Pakistan Railways. No permanent replacement has been appointed so far.
Similarly, the position of General Manager Railways M&S has not been filled on a regular basis, and the Secretary Railway Board has been given additional charge to manage the affairs of the post.
The Director General Vigilance Cell (Grade 20) position is also lying vacant. Former DIG Railways Police Abdul Rab Chaudhry had been given additional charge of the post, but after his transfer, the position remains unfilled. Other vacant posts include Project Director 230 Coaches and MD PAE AMS, both in Grade 20.
Officials further revealed that several Grade 19 positions are being managed by Grade 18 officers on an additional or higher pay scale basis. Due to the absence of Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meetings for the past three years, many officers eligible for promotion to Grade 19 are still working in Grade 18.
The prolonged vacancies and delayed promotions have raised concerns over operational efficiency and administrative stability within Pakistan Railways.