Encroachments have been established on more than 8,372 marlas of Pakistan Railways land, valued at over Rs 5.63 billion, by both private and government entities, according to an audit report.
The Pakistan Railways Audit Report for 2024–25 disclosed that valuable railway land has been illegally occupied. The report stated that the encroachments span over 8,372 marlas and involve both private and state institutions, with the land valued at more than Rs 5.63 billion.
It further revealed that encroachments on railway property have been taking place since 1980 and continued through 2024. The matter was also highlighted in three consecutive audit reports for 2019–20, 2021–22, and 2023–24.
The report expressed concern that repeated identification of the same issue points to persistent negligence.
Earlier this month, Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi informed the National Assembly that 3,999 acres of land, belonging to the Pakistan Railways (PR), is currently under “illegal occupation” of various “government and defense departments”.
The minister said that the largest area of 4,773 acres is under illegal occupation of the individuals or departments related to agriculture, followed by 3,999 acres by the “government/defense departments”.
