Train cancellations worsen Pakistan rail crisis

RAWALPINDI:

Pakistan Railways cancelled 11 trains scheduled to depart from Karachi for major destinations, including Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, Multan and other cities, citing technical reasons, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and exposing deeper operational and financial strains.

The abrupt suspension of services caused severe inconvenience for travellers who had gathered at railway stations expecting to begin their journeys. Many passengers waited for hours amid uncertainty before eventually returning home, frustrated by the sudden disruption.

The trains cancelled for one day included Rehman Baba Express, Pakistan Express, Karakoram Express, Allama Iqbal Express, Business Express, Mehran Express, Millat Express, Tezgam, Karachi Express, Khushhal Khan Khattak Express, Zakaria Express and Fareed Express.

Railway officials attributed the cancellations to plant faults and various technical problems affecting operations. Authorities said a decision regarding the resumption of these services would be taken on Tuesday (today) morning once the situation is reviewed.

Officials expressed the hope that the services would resume once the technical issues are resolved, allowing the trains to return to their normal schedule without further disruption to passengers travelling ahead of the Eidul Fitr.

However, railway labour organisations have offered a different explanation for the disruption, claiming the cancellations are linked to a growing dispute between railway authorities and employees that has triggered a work-to-rule protest.

The 'work to rule', in general term, is labour practice, where employees follow every rule, regulation and safety procedure strictly and literally, refusing to take shortcuts or extra responsibilities that normally keep operations running smoothly.