RAWALPINDI: Passengers faced difficulties on Tuesday after employees of the Pakistan Railways’ electric department went on strike over non-payment of travel and health allowances for the past two and a half years.

The absence of electrical staff led to power plant shutdowns and issues in air-conditioned coaches, causing problems for passengers. The railway administration was compelled to operate trains across the country without regular electrical staff and, in some cases, made alternative arrangements.

The strike affected trains, including Awam Express, Pakistan Express and Shalimar Express, which departed without electrical staff on board. The administration summoned sub-engineers and divisional engineers after the electric staff refused to perform their duties on the trains.

Employees protest non-payment of travel, health allowances

According to officials, the electric staff suddenly refused to report for duty sho­r­tly before the trains’ departure. The adm­inistration attempted to persuade them, but the matter could not be resolved in time, and trains, including Pakistan Express, Shalimar Express and Awam Express, left without electrical staff.

The employees gathered at Rawalpindi Railway Station platform. The administration made alternative arrangements and later, after talks with officials, the employees resumed their duties. It was decided that formal negotiations would begin on Wednesday (today) in Lahore.

When contacted, Divisional Sup­erintendent Nooruddin Dawar said that despite the strike by electric department employees, the administration made alternative arrangements and managed to run the coaches.

He acknowledged that some problems occurred, but maintained that there was no complete electricity breakdown in the trains. He added that technical staff were arranged to manage the electricity system.

Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2026