Pakistan Railways has declared an emergency across the department after a rise in train accidents, according to Minute Mirror on 24 October 2026. The step follows instructions from Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi. The measures stay in place until 31 December, and field officers’ leave is cancelled for three months. Here is what the order says, what accidents led to it and what is still unclear.
What the Emergency Order Says
The department’s headquarters in Lahore issued an official statement, as reported by Minute Mirror. The measures include:
- Officers must visit railway sites and supervise train operations on Sundays.
- Officers travelling to other cities on official duty must use trains.
- Chief engineers of the civil and mechanical departments must send daily reports to the ministry about their areas.
- Daily safety reports are now compulsory.
- Leave for field officers is cancelled for three months.
Minister Hanif Abbasi said the department would work to give passengers the safest possible travel, in line with the prime minister’s vision.
How Many Accidents?
Railway sources told the Express Tribune (18 October) and Minute Mirror that there have been more than 55 accidents of varying severity since 1 January 2026. These include passenger and freight trains. The reports do not give a breakdown by type or severity, and they do not compare this with earlier years. The Express Tribune says the accidents reportedly left “several people dead and dozens injured,” but neither report gives exact totals.
Railway sources named the Sukkur, Karachi and Multan divisions as the areas with repeated incidents.
Recent Accidents Named in Reports
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| 24 May | A shuttle train was sabotaged in Quetta, damaging three coaches. |
| 27 August | Ten freight wagons derailed near Khanpur. The engine and two coaches of the Rawal Express derailed near Kala Gujran. |
| 2 September | The power van of the Khyber Mail derailed near Sanjani. |
| 6 September | Seven wagons of a coal train derailed. |
| 9 September | Three wagons of a coal train derailed at Kotri yard. |
| 27 September | A coal train was involved in an accident near Khairpur. |
| 13 October | The Rehman Baba Express derailed near Sher Shah station in Multan district. |
The Rehman Baba Express Derailment
Dawn reports that the Peshawar-bound train derailed on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. Five people were killed, according to Pakistan Railways CEO Muhammad Hafeezullah, who also said more than 40 were hurt.
- Likely cause: An early Pakistan Railways report says a fault in a passenger coach probably caused it. The driver said the train was going about 100 km/h on a clear signal and that he felt a “push” near the station. This is an initial finding, not a final one.
- Inquiry: Minister Abbasi appointed the federal government inspector of railways to investigate.
- Relief: Compensation will be paid under the railways’ insurance policy, and a replacement train and buses were arranged for passengers.
- Minister’s response: Abbasi said work on locomotives, coaches and wagons will be completed by 31 December. He declined to resign, saying the accident must be investigated first.
- Leaders’ reactions: President Asif Ali Zardari called for transparent investigations into the causes. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief and ordered rapid rescue and medical care.
The Express Tribune says Hafeezullah earlier blamed a lack of maintenance over five years for incidents on 1 October. That is his statement, and the reports I read do not say whether it applies to the other accidents.
Quality Checks on Railway Parts
The Express Tribune reports that on Saturday, 17 October, Hanif Abbasi inspected the Steel and Carriage Shops in Mughalpura, Lahore. He looked at the electric arc furnace and the spectro laboratory that tests manufactured parts, and told officials to make sure railway components meet quality standards.
What Is Not Clear
- The exact number of deaths and injuries across the year.
- The final cause of most accidents. Sabotage is named only for Quetta, and the Rehman Baba cause is a preliminary finding.
- Whether the new measures, such as Sunday visits and daily reports, will reduce accidents. The Express Tribune notes it is not yet clear how effective announced steps are.
- Whether the emergency will bring extra funds or repairs beyond the 31 December target.
What Passengers Should Know
- No train cancellations were announced in the reports I read for this order.
- Check train times on the official Pakistan Railways channels before you travel.
- Keep your ticket and CNIC for any insurance or compensation claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Pakistan Railways declared an emergency?
Yes, across the department, as reported on 24 October 2026.
How long does it last?
The measures run until 31 December. Field officers’ leave is cancelled for three months.
How many accidents have there been?
More than 55 of varying severity since 1 January, according to railway sources.
What happened to the Rehman Baba Express?
It derailed near Multan on 13 October, killing five people, according to Dawn.
What was the cause?
An early report points to a coach fault. An inspector of railways is investigating.
What new rules apply to officers?
Sunday site visits, train travel on official trips and daily safety reports.
The emergency shows pressure on Pakistan Railways to improve safety. The real test will be whether accident numbers fall once the measures are in place and the investigations report.
