THIS refers to the letter ‘Pakistan Railways’ (Aug 13) by Khurram Raza. The railway is considered to be the lifeline of a country. Its role is also critical in times of an emergency like war.

It provides a means of integrating the country and bringing people of different regions together while promoting commerce. The writer is right in lamenting that the condition of the railways is the same as bequeathed by the British in 1947. Nothing has changed since that time except the fares.

Unfortunately, PML-N rulers are fascinated by motorways and highways and have no interest in developing the railway system. The rulers, being overly rich and used to trouble-free travel, cannot comprehend the difficulties faced by the common man travelling in old and shabby trains.

The railways can be improved if ministers, parliamentarians, bureaucrats and the personnel of autonomous institutions are ordered to travel by train instead of air. They will then experience the pitiable condition of the system.

K. A.

Karachi

Published in Dawn, August 30th, 2015

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