Envoy summoned over Samjhauta Express return

Pakistan voices concern over the cancellation of the train’s operations

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed concern over Thursday’s cancellation of the Samjhauta Express operation, which inconvenienced over 200 passengers from both countries.

Authorities in Pakistan ordered the Delhi-bound Samjhauta Express to return to Lahore railway station from the Wagah border on Thursday after Indian rail officials raised fears over possible security risks in the wake of widespread farmers’ protests.

The Foreign Office on Friday here summoned a senior Indian diplomat to convey Pakistan’s concerns over the cancellation of Samjhauta Express train service.

“The Acting Deputy High Commissioner of India, Mr Raghuram was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by Director General (South Asia)Dr Mohammad Faisal to express concern over the cancellation of the operation of Samjhauta Express on October 8,” said the statement issued by the foreign ministry.

The cancellation, the statement said, caused inconvenience to more than 200 passengers from both Pakistan and India.  “The Government of Pakistan has taken all nry ecessasteps to accommodate the stranded Indian passengers, who were not permitted to cross the border yesterday (Thursday),” said the foreign office.

“We expect the Indian side to make utmost efforts to avoid recurrence of such incidents in future and facilitate the travellers from Pakistan and India,” it added.

The train, which runs twice a week between Lahore and Delhi, was carrying 130 Pakistani and 80 Indian passengers. The Samjhota Express is one of the two active rail links between the two countries.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 10^th, 2015.