Train Drivers Welfare Association (TDWA) on Sunday called off the strike after the railway authorities invited the association for talks, assuring acceptance of its genuine demands. The dialogues between railway administration and the TDWA will take place at Railway Headquarters, Lahore, on Monday (today). BR Reporter from Lahore adds: Earlier, Pakistan Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique on Sunday claimed the complete restoration of train operation.
He further said that illegal and unnecessary demands of the train drivers will not be accepted and those involved in creating hurdles in the rail operations will be handled with iron hands. No compromise will be made on the lives of passengers, and no one will be allowed to suspend train operation for their criminal demands. While talking to the media here at railway headquarters, he said all those trains had been set off to the destinations, which had been stopped by a group of strikers, in the midnight.
He appreciated sincere efforts made by PR officers, divisional superintendents and workers for the restore the system. He welcomed those drivers who joined the train operation system by rejecting the strike. The minister sought apology from the passengers for facing problems due to strike by a group of irresponsible drivers who upset the operation system. He also assured that smooth train operation according to the schedule would be ensured within the 24 hours.
It may be mentioned here that in the midnight a group of drivers had announced strike and refused to operate trains for their several demands including restoration of those six drivers who were found guilty and responsible for killing of several human lives in dangerous accidents including Awam Express, Zekriya Express and goods trains' accidents.