Notables across the political and social spectrum were up in arms against Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid on Thursday following his claim that passengers were responsible for the Rahim Yar Khan train inferno in which at least 70 people have been killed so far and scores injured.
Minister's statement
In the wake of one of the deadliest train accidents in the country's history, Rashid came out with a video message saying that two gas cylinders and a stove blew up on the Tezgam Express which was en route to Rawalpindi from Karachi.
The federal minister said that passengers managed to bring the gas cannisters and stove onboard the ill-fated locomotive.
video message pic.twitter.com/Fij37CUDuE
— Sheikh Rashid Ahmed (@ShkhRasheed) October 31, 2019
Social media reaction
The minister's statement also came under criticism from the country's leading rights body, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP). "The blame being shifted to passengers for the lethal accident near Rahim Yar Khan by the minister in charge is highly disappointing," it said in a statement.
PM Imran orders 'immediate inquiry' into Tezgam train accident
The human rights watchdog called for an independent inquiry into the incident, adding that,"We stand in solidarity with the victims and their families."
The blame being shifted to passengers for the lethal accident near Rahim Yar Khan by the minister in charge is highly disappointing. HRCP urges an independent inquiry into the incident. We stand in solidarity with the victims and their families.
— Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (@HRCP87) October 31, 2019
"HRCP is deeply concerned over the safety of passengers in the #trains run by #PakistanRailways. Being the chief mode of transportation for common citizens, it is the state's responsibility to ensure safety and security standards are in place."
HRCP is deeply concerned over the safety of passengers in the #trains run by #PakistanRailways. Being the chief mode of transportation for common citizens, it is the state's responsibility to ensure safety and security standards are in place.
— Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (@HRCP87) October 31, 2019
While Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also lay into Rashid over the incident saying,"Railway minister is stooping to a new low by victim blaming."
The scion of the Bhutto political dynasty deemed his behaviour "outrageous."
He added that Rashid's time as railways minister has witnessed the highest record of train accidents at the helm of the ministry.
"Heart wrenching news from this morning. #tezgam tragedy must immediately be investigated and accountability ensured," Bilawal said.
Heart wrenching news from this morning. #tezgam tragedy must immediately be investigated and accountability ensured. Railway Minister stooping to a new low by victim blaming. outrageous as it is this minister who has the highest record of train accidents on his watch. 1/2
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) October 31, 2019
Bilawal also called on Prime Minister Imran Khan to oust Rashid from his post until a probe into the train accident is complete.
PM should keep his pre-election promise and sack the minister until investigation is complete. Will be leaving for Rahimyar Khan tomorrow on a pre-scheduled jalsa. Will inquire about the victims. Thoughts & prayers with the victims and their families. 2/2
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) October 31, 2019
PPP leader Nafisa Shah also said that "Ridiculous to hear #ShaikhRasheed justifying #Tezgam incident calling it human error. He maligns opposition endlessly but miserably fails in performing his job. MrPrimeMinister more than 80 accidents& 250 deaths is too little to hold your Minister accountable?."
Its ridiculous to hear #ShaikhRasheed justifying #Tezgam incident calling it human error. He maligns opposition endlessly but miserably fails in performing his job. MrPrimeMinister more than 80 accidents& 250 deaths is too little to hold your Minister accountable?
— Nafisa Shah (@ShahNafisa) October 31, 2019
While lawyer Reema Omar also said that gas cylinders are clearly prohibited items that cannot be booked as luggage.
"It is the responsibility of the railways to ensure these safety guidelines are followed by all. Sheikh Rashid placing the blame on passengers isn't just callous, it's also clearly wrong #Tezgam," she added.
Gas cylinders are clearly prohibited items that cannot be booked as luggage. It is the responsibility of the railways to ensure these safety guidelines are followed by all. Sh. Rasheed placing the blame on passengers isn't just callous, it's also clearly wrong #Tezgam pic.twitter.com/2vx1oBOAiY
— Reema Omer (@reema_omer) October 31, 2019
Heart wrenching fire incident in #Tezgam took away over 70 precious lives. I would like to extend my deep sympathies & condolences with the families of victims. This incident should be investigated by Supreme Court & till the final outcome Railway Minister should resign.
— Syed Mustafa Kamal (@KamalMQM) October 31, 2019
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