Important Press Conference on the Current Situation of Pakistan Railways.
Central Chairman Prem Union Ziauddin Ansari Advocate, Sheikh Muhammad Anwar Central President Prem Union, Khair Muhammad Tonio Central General Secretary Prem Union and other officials held a press conference at the Railway Headquarters.
Lahore: Railway Prem Union (Open Line) organized an important and comprehensive press conference at the Railway Headquarters regarding the current situation of Pakistan Railways, the proposed referendum, and key challenges faced by the department. Central Chairman of Prem Union, Zia-ud-Din Ansari Advocate, addressed the media. He was accompanied by Central President Sheikh Muhammad Anwar, Central General Secretary Khair Muhammad Tunio, and members of the Central Executive including Chaudhry Khalid Mahmood, Dr. Ishtiaq, Rana Saleem, and Moeen-ud-Din, along with a large number of office-bearers from across the country. The media was also briefed on key decisions taken during the two-day Central Committee meeting. Zia-ud-Din Ansari Advocate announced that the Railway Prem Union is fully prepared for the conduct of a nationwide referendum. He stated that the Election Commission has already issued directives to the railway administration to hold elections. Expressing concern, he highlighted that no referendum has been conducted in Pakistan Railways for the past 45 years, and other unions have also not shown serious interest in this regard. He urged the Government of Pakistan to play a decisive and proactive role in ensuring a transparent and timely referendum.He expressed deep concern over recent train accidents, stating that seven trains have met with accidents in the last 15 days, which reflects serious flaws in the railway system. He called upon the Ministry of Railways to immediately focus on track rehabilitation, particularly on the Multan–Sukkur section, where the track condition is extremely poor and accidents are more frequent. He further emphasized the need to improve the condition of trains and coaches, implement modern safety measures, and enhance overall operational performance.The Chairman stated that a vital national institution like Pakistan Railways should be run through performance, effective policymaking, and merit-based decisions rather than cosmetic measures or social media campaigns. He stressed that safeguarding the rights of over 100,000 railway employees, ensuring timely payment of salaries, and addressing their issues is the fundamental responsibility of the government.He further pointed out that Pakistan Railways is earning record profits in the current year, which should be utilized for infrastructure improvement, system upgradation, and provision of safe, reliable, and quality travel facilities to the public.The Railway Prem Union urged the government to take immediate, serious, and result-oriented measures to improve the railway system, prevent accidents, enhance institutional performance, and ensure safe and efficient travel facilities for the public.
