LAHORE: Passengers travelling on the 1-Up Khyber Mail staged a protest at the Lahore Railway Station after several coaches were detached due to technical and operational issues and no alternate arrangements were made to accommodate them, according to official sources.

The affected passengers also resisted efforts by railways staff to attach a new locomotive to the train for its onward journey to Peshawar. They demanded either replacement of coaches or adjustment in other compartments.

In the case of the Khyber Mail’s departure, the train had already arrived late at Lahore. Technical staff then declared some coaches faulty and unfit to continue the journey to Peshawar, detaching them without providing replacements.

Some passengers stood on the tracks to block the train’s movement until their demands were met. The officials eventually contacted senior authorities, who instructed them to adjust the affected passengers in other coaches or reroute them via different trains.

After hours of delay, the train finally departed for Peshawar. A video clip shared with Dawn showed passengers standing on the track and protesting at the Lahore station.

Pakistan Railways’ Divisional Superintendent (Lahore) Hanif Gull could not be reached for comment.

HERITAGE: Punjab Minister for Housing and Urban Development Bilal Yasin said on Monday that the province’s cultural heritage is being actively promoted through events held across the cities on the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

He said Ms Nawaz was ensuring the inclusion of all segments of society in Punjab’s progress, especially those associated with arts and culture.

Restoration of heritage sites and renovation of historical locations are among the government’s priorities, he said, adding that Punjab’s folk traditions, clothing, language and arts must be passed on to younger generations.

He said cultural awareness was being promoted not only through public events but also in the school curriculum.

“The celebration of Culture Day sends a strong message of love for our traditions and unity. The people of Punjab are resilient, hardworking, and culturally vibrant,” he added.

Published in Dawn, April 15th, 2025