Pakistan these days is in the grip of a severe commutation problem. Avenues of access in the form of Railways and airline are problematic, pathetic and worrisome. The rail network is facing a slowdown and strikes of sorts, and the national flag career, PIA, is literally not sure if it is able to fly its customers owing to a payment dispute on prompt fuel supply. This is all because of a callous ad hocism at work for decades, and the inability of the state apparatus to prioritise peoples’ interests over vested corporate and ministerial affairs.
The ongoing rupture in smooth railway traffic is now taking its toll. The staff and line-men have genuine grievances as they have not been paid for months. The holding of remuneration by railway authorities on the pretext of paucity of funds is unacceptable, and hints at inefficiency and a bruised bureaucratic decorum. The question is: where is the revenue that is incurred is going away, as the service is high in demand, and one of the most used medium for passenger and freight logistics? It means there is pilferage and corruption. The demand note from the railways that it is immediately in need of at least Rs6 to 8 billion to overcome pay packages and arrears, and a total of Rs35 billion to put it back on track deserves attention. So is the case of PIA that is at odds with the PSO as it finds itself cashless to foot daily fuel bill.
A stock-taking points out that both railways and national career are infected with lethargy and unprofessional syndrome. The railways slowdown and PIA’s slashing of more than 350 flights in the last few days has swung in a mafia, which is fleecing the masses. Private airlines have doubled the domestic airfare, and even land transportation has become exorbitant. Will someone stand up and suggest a remedy? The communication module desires a policy approach, and mass transportation avenues must be public-audited and carry community scrutiny. The federal authorities must step in with drastic measures to keep the track going, and a smooth take-. The issue is directly related to national security.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 29th, 2023.
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