Railways minister sees lack of resources as ‘real cause’ of Hazara Express tragedy

Railways and Aviation Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique on Monday termed a lack of resources as the “real cause” of yesterday’s Hazara Express tragedy, which claimed the lives of at least 30 people.

Ten bogies of Havelian-bound Hazara Express had an accident near Sarhari Railway Station in Sindh’s Sanghar district on Sunday, with Pakistan Railways (PR) officials stating the breakage of the railway line and hot axle, which jammed movement, as the reason.

However, Rafique had stated that the possibility of sabotage as well as a mechanical fault could not be ruled out. The minister had also termed the railway track to be fit.

Speaking at an event in Lahore today, Rafique said, “Yesterday, a very terrifying railway accident took place in which 30 precious lives were lost. This is a consequence of our lack of resources.”

Asserting that an investigation was under way and those responsible would be punished, he added, “But the real [issue] responsible [for it] is that we do not have resources. We are unable to maintain things.”