Pakistan Railways has refuted media reports claiming multiple injuries following a collision between two trains in Sheikhupura, Punjab. The incident occurred at 4:50 am today when the Mianwali Express, heading towards Lahore, collided with a train parked on the loop line at Qila Sattar Shah station.
The railways spokesperson clarified that the reports of 31 or 21 injured individuals in the Mianwali Express accident are false and have no basis in reality. By 7:30 am, the track was cleared and the Mianwali Express resumed its journey to Lahore. The train driver, Imran Sarwar, and assistant driver, Muhammad Bilal, have been suspended for negligence. The Ministry of Railways has formed an inquiry committee, which has been given 24 hours to submit a report on the incident.
In response to the collision, Railways Chairman Mazhar Ali Shah emphasized that those responsible for the accident would face legal action, while CEO Shahid Aziz underscored the railways’ commitment to prioritizing safety.
Last month, a train derailment near Nawabshah resulted in the loss of at least 30 lives and several injuries. Following the accident, six railway officials, including two 18-grade officers, were suspended. Pakistan’s outdated railway system, which spans nearly 7,500 kilometers and caters to over 80 million passengers annually, is prone to accidents and derailments.