Investigations have been launched by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) into a massive fraud involving over Rs40 billion in illegal leases and land grabs across Pakistan Railways’ properties in all four provinces, officials said.
The fraud reportedly involved railway officials and private companies. Initial inquiries could not be completed, prompting the cases to be formally referred to NAB by the Ministry of Railways after approval from Federal Minister Hanif Abbasi.
According to NAB sources, the bureau has begun investigations based on records and requests provided by Pakistan Railways. A high-profile committee, established by the Federal Minister of Railways, will assist NAB by providing necessary documents, technical support, and legal guidance for the inquiry.
The cases forwarded to NAB include multiple high-value allegations: the lease of Royal Palm Country Club and non-recovery of over Rs2.16 billion in dues; fraud exceeding Rs25 crore related to land and office leases near Mardan Railway Station; over Rs20.3 crore linked to 42 acres of land in Karachi’s Ghoth area; and inquiries into leases in Chaman and Quetta amounting to over Rs13.1 billion.
Additionally, in Lahore, a case involves the lease of 18 acres of land to Trust Hospital Shalimar, amounting to more than Rs23.15 billion, and another case concerns Pakistan Business Train outsourcing to Four Brothers Company with a value exceeding Rs2.75 billion.
NAB has confirmed that these investigations aim to hold responsible officials and companies accountable while recovering public funds misappropriated through these fraudulent land deals.
