The Directorate General (DG) Vigilance of Pakistan Railways has compiled a preliminary inquiry into the bogus allotment of more than 200 railway quarters in Lahore and Mughalpura, valued at approximately Rs 10 crore in alleged bribes, and forwarded the report to the Ministry of Railways. In parallel, criminal cases have been registered against implicated railway employees.
According to sources within Pakistan Railways, the DG Vigilance and DIG North Abdul Rab Chaudhry launched the inquiry after receiving multiple complaints regarding irregular allotments of railway housing. The investigation revealed that more than 200 quarters were allotted through fake or forged letters in the Lahore and Mughalpura Workshop divisions, involving an estimated Rs 10 crore in unlawful payments.
The inquiry identifies involvement of former and current state inspectors, AIOWs, and other officers and clerical staff at railway headquarters. One specific case highlights a railway employee, Adil Shehzad (UDC, Workshops Division), accused of securing a railway bungalow (Kothi No. 260-B in Signal Shop Colony) through a forged letter allegedly issued from the XEN Headquarters. He is also accused of illegally transferring servant quarters to private individuals for financial gain.
The DG Vigilance has recommended both departmental and legal action against those named in the report. A joint investigation team comprising the SP Lahore, Workshops Division officers, Vigilance and Special Branch has been formed to further investigate the scam and finalize findings.
Initial findings indicate that the fraudulent activity was systematic and coordinated. Railway officers and clerical staff allegedly colluded to forge allotment letters, use scanned signatures of authorised officials, and issue unofficial notices and G-10 forms, depriving legitimate and deserving railway employees of their lawful housing rights.
The accused employee remains untraceable as the investigation continues. The revelations have raised concerns regarding transparency and oversight in the management of railway quarters.
The Ministry of Railways has not yet released a formal statement regarding the inquiry or potential recovery of illegally allotted properties.
