Islamabad: If the federal government and Ministry of Railways sincerely take emergency steps to restore the Chakwal-Bhoun to Rawalpindi railway track and restart train services once operational in the region, the national treasury could benefit by billions of rupees monthly while helping reduce the mounting burden of debt. However, according to social activist and journalist Malik Fida ur Rehman, the primary obstacle remains the incompetence and corruption within the railway administration.
In a conversation with social workers, Fida ur Rehman criticized railway officials for ignoring the Supreme Court’s orders to restore Chakwal’s historic railway station and resume train operations. Despite existing staff, infrastructure, and a functioning police unit, officials have failed to implement any real progress.
He recounted how the Chakwal station, established in 1911, was once a key link for mineral exports like salt, coal, gypsum, and cement—particularly to countries like Sri Lanka, UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. The disuse of the railway not only halted exports but also disrupted tourism and trade, leading to financial losses for traders and laborers alike.
Social activist Malik Bashir added that regular safari trains between Rawalpindi and Chakwal could boost tourism and preserve historic sites like Kallar Kahar and Rohtas Fort. Instead, dilapidated infrastructure and stolen rail tracks reflect the negligence of authorities, with powerful mafias allegedly eyeing valuable railway land.
Both activists emphasized the economic and logistical necessity of restoring the track. Fida ur Rehman noted that up to 20,000 people travel daily between Chakwal and Rawalpindi, now forced onto unsafe road transport due to rail inaccessibility—resulting in many tragic accidents.
Despite past efforts and court interventions, including actions by former Chief Justices Iftikhar Chaudhry and Saqib Nisar, railway authorities remain defiant, with no accountability or progress. The activists urged President, Prime Minister, and Federal Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi to take urgent notice and immediately begin reconstruction of the Mandrah-Chakwal-Bhoun track to revive commerce, ensure safer transport, and restore public faith in national infrastructure. In this regard one week ago sent questions to secretary/ chairman Pakistan Railway Board syed Mazhar Ali Shah and to noorullah dawar divisional superintendent rawalpindi but they didn’t reply yet. Anyway they have a choice whenever they will give their opinion we are bound to publish their poin of view.
