PTI slams Tezgam train accident, demands minister’s resignation and accountability

• Sheikh Waqas says derailment exposed govt’s chronic mismanagement and railway negligence, criticizing ‘hollow rhetoric’

• Demands transparent, independent and time-bound inquiry into the tragedy

• Demands probe into Rs390b contingency fund for misuse and oversight lapses

• Strongly condemns unauthorized medical examination of Imran Khan; demands transfer to Shifa International Hospital

 ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Wednesday expressed deep sorrow over the Tezgam train accident that left at least 25 passengers injured and called for the resignation of the railways minister and immediate removal of the secretary concerned.

In a statement, PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas said the tragic incident once again exposed the government’s persistent incompetence, chronic mismanagement, and structural flaws within the railway system.

He noted that the recurring nature of such accidents points to a troubling pattern of negligence and a failure to prioritize passenger safety.

“We stand shoulder to shoulder with the victims and their families in this painful moment and pray for the speedy recovery of all those injured,” Waqas said, emphasizing that repeated railway accidents are irrefutable evidence that no meaningful or sustainable measures are being implemented to ensure passenger safety.

“The government’s priorities seem limited to hollow rhetoric and cosmetic steps, rather than genuine public safety, operational efficiency, and reliable service delivery,” he added.

Highlighting the constitutional responsibility of the state, Waqas warned that persistent negligence in railway operations, safety protocols, and infrastructure maintenance is tantamount to endangering innocent lives—an act that is both intolerable and unacceptable.

He demanded a transparent, independent, and time-bound inquiry into the Tezgam accident, with the immediate identification of those responsible and strict legal action against them. “Accountability must be real, not symbolic. Anyone found guilty of negligence must be fully answerable under the law,” he asserted.

Turning to the economic front, Waqas criticized the government’s so-called “Eid relief,” stating that instead of easing public burdens, the regime imposed massive hikes in high-octane fuel and kerosene prices, fueling inflation further.

“The astronomical surge in fuel prices has broken the backs of the poor and middle classes. Higher petroleum costs will inevitably drive up transportation fares and essential commodity prices,” he said.

He also called for a transparent investigation of the Rs390 billion contingency fund, raising concerns over its utilization and oversight. “A thorough, independent, and time-bound probe must be conducted to ensure full accountability and prevent misuse of public money,” Waqas added.

Demanding immediate relief for citizens, he urged the government to rollback the recent petroleum levy increase and rein in extravagant official expenditures, proposing a 100 percent reduction in ministers’ perks and privileges.

Waqas criticized flawed economic management and foreign policy failures as primary contributors to the ongoing energy crisis and strongly condemned the unauthorized medical examination of party founder Imran Khan, calling it a blatant violation of legal norms and human rights.