Pakistan Railways Cancels Lahore Property Auctions Over Transparency Concerns
Oct 24, 2025
Pakistan Railways has called off all property auctions held between October 20 and 23 and postponed those scheduled from October 24 to 27 in Lahore, amid concerns over transparency in the bidding process.
Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi took notice of media reports pointing out irregularities during the recent auctions and ordered a complete review.
“We have cancelled all auctions conducted from October 20 to 23 and postponed those planned until October 27,” said Mr. Abbasi. “The offered rate was Rs. 220 per square foot, which was below expectations and our benchmark of Rs. 200. Next time, we will set a new benchmark of Rs. 300 and aim for bids around Rs. 350 to ensure fair market value.”
He added that all future auctions will be held under strict supervision. “Every upcoming auction will be monitored by senior officers and recorded to maintain transparency,” he assured.
Mr. Abbasi also mentioned that his previous actions had saved the department billions of rupees during the auctioning of luggage vans and express cargo services.
Looking ahead, the minister announced plans to launch a dedicated cargo train service, with 35 new wagons expected to arrive by November 15 and another 15 by the end of the month.
Earlier, the Ministry of Railways had temporarily assigned the Rawalpindi Divisional Superintendent (DS) additional charge of the Lahore DS office from October 20 to 22. The move sparked criticism within the department, with officials alleging it was meant to favor specific bidders in the auctions at Badami Bagh and other prime locations.
Following the backlash, the order was withdrawn, and Chief Mechanical Engineer Yousaf Leghari was given temporary charge. Despite the adjustment, the concerns led to a complete cancellation of the auctions.
Cancelled Properties List
The cancelled sites included:
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Four godowns on Sher Shah Road (25, 10, 50, and 40 marlas).
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Parking stands at Truck Adda (42 marlas) and near L-Xing No. 4 (20 marlas).
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One shop at SDR Shopping Centre No. 4 (100 ft) and a restaurant near BBG parking stand (5 marlas).
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A godown near L-Xing No. 43 BTW GRW-GRWC (1.12 kanal).
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Two bays under Garhi Shahu Bridge (3,000 sq ft) and a parking stand near L-Xing No. 9 (3,000 sq ft).
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A godown site on Railway Road (3.5 marlas).
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Ten shops at Cement Godown (auctioned Oct 20–21).
