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LAHORE:
Pakistan Railways recorded a total of 45 train-related incidents in the first six months of 2025, deepening concerns over the persistent safety and infrastructure challenges across the national railway network.
Despite all available resources and initiating multiple safety measures, PR has been unable to prevent the derailment of passenger and freight trains or avert recurring accidents.
The frequent derailments have not only caused distress to passengers but have also disrupted business operations across the country. Recent terrorist attacks on trains have further exacerbated the crisis.
According to official statistics, from January 1 to June 15, a total of 45 train-related accidents occurred, including derailments and other incidents. The accidents included 22 derailments involving passenger trains, 20 involving freight trains and three miscellaneous incidents.
Among the most alarming events was the kidnapping incident involving the Jaffer Express, which has raised serious concerns about the security of passengers and trains.
Several individuals sustained injuries as a result of these accidents, while the Pakistan Railways infrastructure suffered financial damages amounting to tens of millions of rupees.
One of the most serious incidents took place on May 21, when the Shalimar Express, travelling from Karachi to Lahore, collided with a brick-laden trolley at an unmanned level crossing near Sahianwala Darul Ehsan. The impact caused all 15 coaches of the train to derail.
On May 30, the Rehman Baba Express met with an accident after striking a trolley at another unmanned level crossing. On June 1, the Pakistan Express narrowly avoided a major disaster when a trolley beneath its dining car broke off near Mubarakpur.
On June 14, three separate train-related incidents occurred. The Khushhal Khan Khattak Express, en route to Peshawar, had six bogies derail at Kandhkot. On the same day, the Allama Iqbal Express avoided catastrophe when a malfunction was reported in its brake block while the train was in motion. Meanwhile, the Thal Express collided with a car.
On June 18, the Jaffar Express was targeted in a sabotage attack near Jacobabad, where explosive material was used to blow up the railway track, causing five coaches to derail.
In addition to these incidents, air conditioners malfunctioning in moving trains and engine overheating led to several trains being stopped mid-journey.
