ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has alleged that the unfortunate Tezgam train accident has once again exposed the government’s incompetence, mismanagement, and the serious flaws in the railway system. It has demanded Railways minister’s resignation and investigation into the incident.
Over two dozen passengers were injured when seven coaches of Karachi-bound Tezgam derailed near Adam Wahan railway station on Bahawalpur-Lodhran section on Tuesday night.
PTI has expressed deep concern over the accident. “We pray for the swift recovery of the injured and express complete solidarity with the affected families,” a statement issued by party’s Central Media Department stated.
“Repeated accidents are clear evidence that no effective measures are being taken to ensure the safety of passengers’ lives and property. The government’s priorities appear to be limited to claims and symbolic actions rather than providing real public relief and safety,” it stated.
Demands investigation, railways minister’s resignation
PTI has demanded a transparent and impartial investigation into the incident. “Those responsible must be identified and given strict punishment. Immediate and practical measures must also be taken to make the railway system safe so that such tragedies can be prevented in the future,” it added.
“Playing with the lives of the public cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. The government must stop evading its responsibilities and take immediate and concrete steps,” statement concludes.
PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram has emphasised that the recurrence of railway accidents was irrefutable evidence that no meaningful, sustainable, or effective measures were being taken for the safety and security of passengers.
He stressed that safeguarding the lives and property of citizens was the state’s foremost constitutional obligation. He cautioned that persistent negligence in railway operations, safety protocols, and infrastructure maintenance was tantamount to endangering innocent lives—an act that was both intolerable and unacceptable.
Turning to the economic front, PTI CIS lambasted the regime for hike in high-octane fuel and kerosene oil prices.
“The astronomical surge in fuel prices has broken the back of the poor and middle class,” he said, warning that higher petroleum costs would inevitably lead to increased transportation fares and a fresh wave of hike in essential commodities prices.
He further demanded a transparent and comprehensive investigation into the Rs390 billion contingency fund, raising serious questions about its utilisation and oversight.
“A thorough, independent, and time-bound inquiry must be conducted to ensure full accountability and to prevent any misuse of public money,” he asserted.
Waqas also demanded immediate rollback of the recent increase in the petroleum levy, while urging the government to rein in its own extravagant expenditures instead of shifting the burden onto the public. As a concrete step, he demanded a 100 percent reduction in ministers’ perks and privileges.
Published in Dawn, March 26th, 2026