Pakistan Railways: A Chronicle of Neglect and Corruption
Asem Mustafa Awan
Islamabad: The recent collision involving the Shalimar Express near Faisalabad, where a brick-laden trolley collided with the train, causing significant damage and derailment, underscores the perilous state of Pakistan’s railway infrastructure. This incident, attributed to an unmanned railway crossing, is emblematic of the systemic failures that have plagued Pakistan Railways for decades.
Landhi Railway Station in Karachi, once a bustling hub, now lies in a state of disrepair, with sewage water inundating the tracks and platforms.
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This neglect not only hampers operations but also poses severe health risks to commuters and staff alike. The station’s deterioration reflects a broader pattern of mismanagement and apathy within the department.
Corruption remains a persistent blight on Pakistan Railways. An internal audit revealed misappropriation of funds amounting to Rs10 billion, highlighting the deep-rooted financial malpractices within the organization. Despite numerous investigations and committees, accountability remains elusive, with many officials evading justice.
The human cost of these systemic issues is staggering. The 2021 Ghotki rail crash resulted in 65 fatalities and over 150 injuries, while the 2019 Tezgam train fire claimed 75 lives. These tragedies, among others, are not isolated incidents but rather the consequence of chronic underinvestment, outdated infrastructure, and a lack of political will to implement meaningful reforms.
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Pakistan Railways, once a symbol of national pride, now stands as a testament to governmental neglect and corruption. Without urgent and comprehensive reforms, the department will continue to endanger lives and drain public resources. It is imperative for policymakers to prioritize the overhaul of Pakistan Railways, ensuring safety, efficiency, and accountability for the benefit of all citizens.
The article is the writer’s opinion, it may or may not adhere to the organization’s editorial policy.
Asem Mustafa Awan has extensive reporting experience with leading national and international media organizations. He has also contributed to reference books such as the Alpine Journal and the American Alpine Journal, among other international publications.
