Safety off track
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Pakistan Railways is lurching from one preventable disaster to another. In just the first six months of 2025, the network has witnessed 45 train-related accidents. Of the 45 incidents, 22 involved passenger trains and 20 freight trains. No amount of official statements or half-hearted safety "initiatives" can now mask the dangerous reality that our railways are neither safe nor reliable.
The consequences extend beyond physical injuries and financial losses running into tens of millions of rupees. Each accident disrupts lives, paralyses trade and erodes public confidence. The recent kidnapping of passengers on the Jaffer Express marks a new low — one that exposes the railway's failure not just in safety, but also in security.
For years, Pakistan Railways has operated on outdated infrastructure and a bureaucracy that prioritises damage control over meaningful change. That has to end. The way forward is clear, but it requires political will and administrative resolve. First, unmanned level crossings — death traps across the country — must be eliminated through either full automation or permanent staffing. Second, real-time monitoring and fail-safe signalling systems must be made standard. Third, any staff negligence — from drivers to supervisors — must face swift and transparent accountability. And finally, the security apparatus on trains needs to be overhauled. If passengers cannot travel without fear of abduction, then Pakistan Railways has failed in its most fundamental duty.
The tracks are stained with negligence, and each new incident should serve as a final warning. Pakistan cannot afford to lose more lives and billions in economic losses due to institutional inertia. The railways serve as a lifeline for millions — especially those who cannot afford alternatives. Dismantling the system is not the solution. Reforming and rebuilding it from the ground up is.
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Business Recorder
a day ago
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Minister concerned over rising number of derailments
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, Friday, expressed concern over the rising number of derailments and called for a detailed analysis and proactive measures to prevent future occurrences. Abbasi said this here on Friday, while chairing a high-level meeting on the occasion of his first 100 days in office which he celebrated with releasing of a special documentary on Pakistan Railways, highlighting key achievements and progress during his tenure. The meeting attended by senior PR officials focused on train safety, administrative performance and ongoing corruption investigations within Pakistan Railways. On the occasion a comprehensive briefings on recent train accidents and operational issues, with particular attention to incidents reported in Sukkur, Multan, and Peshawar during June 2025 was presented. The documentary showcases various initiatives and improvements undertaken by the ministry under Hanif Abbasi's leadership, reflecting efforts aimed at reforming and revitalising the railway sector. Speaking on the occasion, the minister said, 'This is just the beginning of the journey.' He reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Pakistan Railways into a modern, efficient, and developed institution. 'We are determined to make Railways a progressive and modern organisation,' he stated, adding that in the remaining three and a half years of the government's tenure, 'We will work with full energy and dedication to ensure the growth and development of the railway network.' Hanif Abbasi directed that clear recommendations and an action plan be formulated and submitted to the relevant authorities. He also sought a report on the delay of the Awam Express departing from Karachi and ordered an immediate inquiry into the recent foot over bridge incident in Khanewal. Regarding the closure of the Shahinabad Quarry, the minister instructed officials to identify those responsible and take appropriate action. The meeting also reviewed the Railway Constructions Pakistan Limited investigation, where the Inspector General of Pakistan Railways Police reported that the fact-finding inquiry was nearing completion. The inquiry recommends criminal proceedings against implicated officials and proposes the case be handed over to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for further investigation. Reaffirming the ministry's zero-tolerance stance on corruption, Minister Abbasi said that financial, administrative and structural reforms remain a top priority. He also said that strict disciplinary action against non-performing staff, while assuring that employees who demonstrate exceptional performance will be recognised through rewards and commendation certificates. Hanif Abbasi called on all officers and personnel to perform their duties with sincerity, transparency and accountability, emphasising the government's commitment to restoring public confidence in the national rail system. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Express Tribune
Safety off track
Listen to article Pakistan Railways is lurching from one preventable disaster to another. In just the first six months of 2025, the network has witnessed 45 train-related accidents. Of the 45 incidents, 22 involved passenger trains and 20 freight trains. No amount of official statements or half-hearted safety "initiatives" can now mask the dangerous reality that our railways are neither safe nor reliable. The consequences extend beyond physical injuries and financial losses running into tens of millions of rupees. Each accident disrupts lives, paralyses trade and erodes public confidence. The recent kidnapping of passengers on the Jaffer Express marks a new low — one that exposes the railway's failure not just in safety, but also in security. For years, Pakistan Railways has operated on outdated infrastructure and a bureaucracy that prioritises damage control over meaningful change. That has to end. The way forward is clear, but it requires political will and administrative resolve. First, unmanned level crossings — death traps across the country — must be eliminated through either full automation or permanent staffing. Second, real-time monitoring and fail-safe signalling systems must be made standard. Third, any staff negligence — from drivers to supervisors — must face swift and transparent accountability. And finally, the security apparatus on trains needs to be overhauled. If passengers cannot travel without fear of abduction, then Pakistan Railways has failed in its most fundamental duty. The tracks are stained with negligence, and each new incident should serve as a final warning. Pakistan cannot afford to lose more lives and billions in economic losses due to institutional inertia. The railways serve as a lifeline for millions — especially those who cannot afford alternatives. Dismantling the system is not the solution. Reforming and rebuilding it from the ground up is.
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Express Tribune
PR to assemble 200 Chinese trains
Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi stated on Tuesday that 200 advanced Chinese trains are currently being manufactured at the Railway Carriage Factory under a technology transfer agreement. He made these remarks while speaking at the "Meet the Press" event at the National Press Club in the federal capital. Abbasi called the development of Pakistan Railways (PR) key to the country's progress, highlighting the major initiatives taken during his first 100 days in office that have resulted in meaningful improvements. He said the uplift of PR is also vital for the success of strategic projects such as Thar Coal, Reko Diq, and regional connectivity. "Without the upgradation of ML-1, ML-2, and ML-3, the development of railways cannot be envisioned," he stated. Abbasi maintained that 200 advanced Chinese trains are currently being manufactured at the Railway Carriage Factory through a technology transfer agreement. On the occasion, he noted that the Punjab government had allocated billions in the 2025-26 budget, including Rs250 billion for three years for the renewal of the Lahore-Rawalpindi track — expected to reduce travel time between the two cities to two hours and benefit over 30 million people. Additionally, Rs50 billion was earmarked for the development of eight railway stations, and Rs9 billion allocated for the upgradation of level crossings across Punjab to help reduce accidents. The minister shared that the Balochistan government has allocated Rs3 billion, with a commitment to increase the amount, for upgrading existing stations and establishing new ones. He added that development initiatives are also being planned in Sindh and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Highlighting passenger amenities, Abbasi said that steps have been taken to improve the overall passenger experience - including the establishment of information desks, sanitation facilities, upgraded food outlets at stations, a modern helpline system, and other services.
