Pakistan Railways (PR) after initial finding of Liaquatpur train incident confirmed the suspension of six officials (grade 17 and 18 cadre) from Karachi and Sukkur divisions.

PR officials said the initial investigation report of 31st October Taizgam Express incident was presented before the Chairman Railways Sultan Sikandar Raja. As per the report, a half dozen officials posted in commercial transportation group and railways police of Karachi and Sukkur divisions have been suspended for their alleged negligence in fulfilling responsibilities, resulting in Liaquatpur train incident that left over 70 persons dead and 40 other injured.

The suspended officials include the Divisional Commercial Officer (DCO) of Karachi division Junaid Aslam a Bps-18 officer who had recently assumed the charge of DCO. Assistant Commercial Officer Sukkur Division Abid Qamar Sheikh, a Bps-17 officer, who was currently working on the post of Divisional Commercial Officer, Assistant Commercial Officer Sukkur division Rashid Ali, Commercial Officer-3 Karachi division Ahsanul Haq, Deputy Superintendent-B Railways police Sukkur division Dilawar Memon Bps-17, and Deputy Superintendent-B Karachi Railways police Habullah Khatak.

While confirming the suspensions, the deputy director railways Karachi division Tariq Asad said the detailed probe on the Taizgham Express fire incident has been initiated by the Federal Government Inspector of Railways, (FGIR) Dost Ali Laghari on the directives of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

He said FGIR would conduct first session of enquiry on November 8 and 9, 2019 at Divisional Superintendent office Multan, and Mirpurkhas Railway Station on 12 November 2019.

He said that the enquiry is open, on the afore-referred dates, in general for all having relevant knowledge and who want to give related evidence/information on the tragic accident.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019