One is at a loss for words to denounce the government’s insincerity to the people since it is even unable to run the Railways, which was the general public’s only source of cheap and safe source of countrywide travel. During these past four years, the department has literally gone to the dogs; there is generally shortage of diesel and locomotives and widespread prevalence of corruption and unbearably long delays in trains’ departure.

The last nail in the coffin has been the acute stinginess of the federal government to release funds. As if this was not enough, over 45 more trains have been permanently taken off track, while those that are being plied operate but with 15 hours of delay on an average. It is anyone’s guess what is really happening since some of the officials have told the press that the situation could get a lot worse. It is surprisingly though that the man at the helm, Minister for Railways, Ghulam Ahmed Bilour, and other high railway officials depict a different picture altogether merely to stave off criticism and to absolve themselves from their lapses. The claims of ‘new trains’ and other hollow promises are meant to draw attention away from this present chaotic state of affairs. Already in its death throes, Railways could only be saved with dedicated efforts.