Dispute Intensifies Over Pakistan Railways and K-Electric Outstanding Dues
KARACHI: The dispute between the Pakistan Railways and K-Electric over outstanding dues intensified on Tuesday, prompting power supply to railway installations being disconnected.
As many as 38 passenger trains running daily from city were affected. Railway Divisional Superintendent Muhammad Nasir Khalili informed that the immediate effect of this action was a severe impact in rail operations and suspension of online ticket booking system for 38 passengers train due to disconnection of power supply.
The Pakistan Railways earns around Rs50 to 60 million per day from Karachi Division. “The railway claimed that K-Electric had not paid dues of more than ‘Rs70 billion in the last ten years’,” but this claim was contested by a representative of K-Electric, who rebutted with evidence proving timely payments and receipts. “In contrast to Pak Railways’ assertion, there is no record indicating that our dues are anything other than paid on time.”, the spokesman for Pakistan Railway defended.
Furthermore, Mr Khalili warned a shutdown of automatic signalling system which would disrupt running passenger and goods trains. The representative from Pakistan Railways emphasised in an interview “It is not only that we are demanding payments; it’s vital to our operations.” While the spokesperson for K-Electric argued their power supply had been restored on undertakings provided by railway authorities with assurance of clearing outstanding dues and timely payment. They further stated, “If these commitments are dishonoured time after again as has happened in past several occasions; we will have no option but to disconnect defaulting connections until payments received.”
Meanwhile a mutual agreement was sought by both parties for settling dues of “Rs430 million accumulated against 31 K-Electric installations since May,2024”.
