Nationwide Rail Strike Threatened by Pakistani Train Drivers Due to Defective Wagons; Refuse to Accept Responsibility for Accidents

Pakistan Railways Drivers Association Demands Action on Defective Wagons

Recent incidents involving trains 116-Down and 14-Down have prompted the Pakistan Railways (PR) administration to take action, instructing that only coaches and wagons with sufficient and tested braking power should be used for all passenger and freight trains.

The Train Drivers Association (Lahore), led by President Irfan Iqbal, has been vocal about the issues plaguing the railways, particularly the use of 'defective' wagons. In a meeting, Iqbal reportedly questioned the responsibility of drivers when safety devices, coaches, and wagons do not function correctly.

Iqbal has also raised concerns about the PR administration making drivers the scapegoats for derailments and accidents, arguing that it is unjustifiable given the use of inoperative wagons. He warned that if relevant officers fail to fully adhere to the instructions, the Train Drivers Association (Lahore) will convene a meeting to determine their next steps.

The Railways minister has mandated that only rolling stock certified by the mechanical department with verified braking efficiency should be utilized. Train drivers have threatened a nationwide strike if PR continues to use these 'defective' wagons.

In a previous meeting held on August 15, 2025, key members including local representatives, railway officials, and passenger advocates gathered to discuss these issues. The PR Train Drivers Association (Multan) President, Karim Bakhsh, stated that derailments and accidents are due to wagons and coaches lacking brakes.

Officials are aware that derailments result from the condition of the rolling stock, but Iqbal has expressed dissatisfaction with the way drivers are being held accountable for recent derailments and accidents. He mentioned that they will observe how relevant officers respond in the upcoming days.

Relevant officers have been instructed to ensure the brake power of all coaches and wagons is checked before departure, as per instructions from the PR administration. If officers fail to comply, the Train Drivers Association (Lahore) may take further action.

As of now, no new information about the condition of the rolling stock or the use of verified rolling stock has been provided. The Train Drivers Association (Lahore) has not been mentioned in any earlier bullet points, suggesting that this is a new development in the ongoing saga of Pakistan Railways' safety concerns.

Nationwide Rail Strike Threatened by Pakistani Train Drivers Due to Defective Wagons; Refuse to Accept Responsibility for Accidents