Emergency Declared in Pakistan Railways Until December 31; Field Officers’ Leaves Cancelled, Sunday Duties Made Mandatory

*Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi orders stricter monitoring of train operations; Chief Engineers of Civil and Mechanical Departments and Head of Safety directed to submit daily reports to the Ministry; railway officials required to travel by train on official visits.*

*LAHORE (Report Digital):* An emergency has been declared across Pakistan Railways until December 31, 2026, to strengthen train operations and improve passenger safety. All leaves of field officers have been cancelled for the next three months, while officials have been directed to remain present in the field even on Sundays to monitor railway operations.

According to directives issued by Pakistan Railways Headquarters in Lahore on the instructions of Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, railway officers will be required to use trains when travelling to other cities for official assignments.

The measure aims to ensure direct operational inspections, strengthen administrative oversight and improve safety arrangements across the railway network.

Under the new directives, Chief Engineers of the Civil and Mechanical Departments will submit daily reports to the Ministry of Railways regarding matters falling within their respective areas of responsibility. The Head of Safety has also been directed to submit daily reports to ensure continuous monitoring of train operations and timely identification of any potential negligence or safety lapses.

Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi said that providing the safest possible travel facilities to passengers, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision, remains the government’s top priority.

He directed railway officers to ensure their presence in the field rather than remain confined to their offices, stressing that no negligence in monitoring train operations would be tolerated.

The emergency measures are aimed at strengthening operational discipline, improving accountability and ensuring safer railway services for passengers across the country.