SUKKUR, July 17: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has directed the railways minister and chairman to submit report of inquiry into the triple-train accident at the Sarhad railway station within three days.
He asked them to conduct an independent and transparent inquiry which should reveal reasons that led to the tragic incident so that people responsible could be taken to task.
The prime minister issued the directions during his visit to the Sarhad railway station on Sunday.
He announced that one member of the family of each of the dead would be employed in the railways department.
He said efforts would be made to improve the railway system so that a repeat of such accidents in the future could be avoided. He directed the railway authorities to take measures for improving the system, especially the track and the signal system.
Mr Aziz said it was the responsibility of the government to provide safe journey to passengers and, therefore, no lapses in this regard would be tolerated.
Later, the prime minister took a round of the Sarhad station.
On this occasion, Shahbaz Rangers commandant Col Tahir Aziz and railways high-ups apprised Mr Aziz of relief activities undertaken after the accident.
Expressing grief over the tragedy, the prime minister appreciated efforts of the army, Rangers, police, social welfare organizations and people of Ghotki and other areas for providing help to victims and their relatives. He said he was out of the country at the time of the accident but he remained in touch with officials concerned about relief measures for the victims.
Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim, Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad, Federal Minister for Railways Shamim Haider, Ghaus Bux Mahar, Sardar Ali Nawaz Mahar, railways chairman, IG, and other officials accompanied Mr Aziz.
Later, the prime minister went to Ghotki and offered Fateha at the graves of the disaster victims.
He also visited the Combined Military Hospital, Pano Aqil cantonment. He met the injured and enquired about their health.
Pano Aqil cantonment GOC Maj-Gen Ahmad Nawaz Saleem Mela apprised the prime minister of relief activities undertaken by army personnel. He told Mr Aziz that 155 injured had been brought to the CMH, 72 of whom had been operated upon.
