Pakistan Railways (PR) has ordered an operation against illegal occupation and encroachments on railway land across the Karachi division.
Divisional Superintendent (DS) Karachi Jamshed Alam has directed officials to identify all railway owned land and take steps to recover property under illegal occupation.
Encroachments and regain possession of railway property has been ordered. However, the DS also stated that no individual should face injustice during the operation.
Earlier this year, Pakistan Railways recovered 2.72 acres of land along the old Karachi Circular Railway route. The land, located near Dow University’s Ojha Campus, was valued at more than Rs1.42 billion. Twelve people were arrested during that operation.
Railways recovered 2,826 acres of encroached land worth around Rs21.18 billion between 2020-21 and 2025-26, across Pakistan.
Moreover, DS Jamshed Alam also carried out a detailed inspection of the Badin railway section. He inspected Tando Jam and Badin railway stations. He reviewed cleanliness at the stations and checked the facilities available to passengers.
The DS also inspected railway tracks, bridges and other infrastructure along the route, and immediately ordered to carry out repairs wherever problems were found.
The Sindh government recently assured Pakistan Railways that it would provide administrative and law enforcement support for operations aimed at recovering railway land across the province.
Pakistan Railways continues financial reforms
Earlier this year, the department began clearing payments that had remained pending for several years.
Pakistan Railways released Rs70 million to pay travelling allowances owed to Class IV employees for the previous eight years. It also cleared payments of Rs290 million owed to railway contractors.
Employees were also sent salary cheques to the State Bank of Pakistan in advance to ensure salaries were paid on time.
Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi said timely payments and better financial management showed improvements in the department’s governance.
Pakistan Railways is also working on major infrastructure and digital projects. These include new tracking systems for trains and rolling stock, smart surveillance and modern control rooms.
Pakistan Railways major decision on train services
Pakistan Railways has announced plans to restore two passenger train services in September and October as part of efforts to improve connectivity.
Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi said the government is focused on improving connectivity while preparing for major upgrades to the railway network.