THIS is apropos your editorial ‘Tezgam tragedy’ (Nov 1). While it is correct that the railway minister has bad manners, is arrogant, overbearing, and therefore is unfit for a ministerial portfolio, I think he is not to be blamed for the Tezgam tragedy.

The mullahs were admittedly travelling with gas cylinders, which they wanted to use during tablighee congregation. It simply cannot be believed, as they claim, that the cylinders were empty.

They would have no time to get them filled at Raiwind and must be carrying them filled and, as per their irresponsible nature, they must have tried to prepare tea and warm up their meals on board the train. There can be no doubt in this regard.

Justice (retd) Salahuddin Mirza
Karachi

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SHEIKH Rashid talks on all subjects — from money matters to foreign affairs — and speaks nothing about his own ministry. There have been more than 80 train accidents, minor and major, including the Tezgam tragedy in which 75 human beings were burnt to death and scores were injured.

He did not wait one hour to announce money as compensation for the dead and injured. Dead needs no money except burial, whereas the injured needs money —sometimes for life if the injuries include losing an arm or leg.

In all civilised countries, the minister resigns immediately or the head of government asks him to resign if he doesn’t have the decency to resign himself. But neither the railway minister resigned nor has Imran Khan asked him to step down.

In all decent countries, the flag is lowered at half mast for a few days on such occasions, but nothing was ordered by the prime minister. In civilised countries, all parades are postponed but not by Imran Khan.

I wonder what would have happened if a family member of Shaikh Rashid or some other VIP was burnt in this train. God save our Pakistan!.

Dr Khalid Butt
Karachi

Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2019