Lahore (HRNW)- Pakistan Railways has reportedly failed to complete investigations into several railway accidents within the prescribed time, while disciplinary action against officials found responsible has remained pending despite the completion of a number of inquiry reports.
According to data obtained by HRNW News, more than 31 passenger and freight train accidents occurred between the 2025-26 financial year and June 10, 2026. The incidents included derailments, collisions, accidents involving parked vehicles, and fires in power plant vans.
Following the accidents, high-level investigation teams headed by the Federal Investigation Officer visited the incident sites, recorded statements from passengers and railway employees, collected evidence, and submitted detailed reports to the Chief Executive Officer of Pakistan Railways, the Chairman Railways, and the Federal Minister for Railways.
However, despite the passage of more than a year in several cases, no effective action has reportedly been taken against officers and employees identified as responsible for negligence.
According to railway sources, inquiries into several accidents that occurred over the past five years have also been completed, but many reports were returned with objections, leading to re-investigations. Even after those re-inquiries were completed, action against those held responsible has allegedly not been taken.
Official documents indicate that from May 2025 to June 10, 2026, 12 accidents occurred in the Karachi Division, 11 in the Sukkur Division, 2 in the Lahore Division, 4 in the Rawalpindi Division, while one inquiry each in the Peshawar and Quetta divisions remains pending.
Investigation reports identified several contributing factors behind the accidents, including people crossing railway tracks despite closed level-crossing gates, deteriorating rolling stock and railway infrastructure, insufficient budget allocations, increasing residential and commercial development near railway tracks, employee negligence, administrative shortcomings, and incidents of terrorism.
When contacted for comment, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Railways said that the inquiries are still in progress and that the media will be informed once they are completed.
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