Quetta Railway Station witnessed a chaotic scene on Saturday as over 1,000 passengers were left stranded after railway employees staged a protest, according to ARY News. Key trains, including the Chaman Passenger, Jafar Express, and Bolan Mail, were delayed for up to four hours as demonstrators blocked railway tracks.
Reason Behind the Protest
The protest erupted following the alleged demolition of employee housing boundaries on Zarghoon Road during a road expansion project. Railway unions accused officials of unlawful actions and demanded judicial intervention, calling the move unjust and detrimental to employee welfare.
Passenger Frustration
Stranded passengers, already grappling with limited transport options, expressed their struggles. “Even trains aren’t reliable now,” lamented one passenger. The disruption added to the woes of those dependent on rail travel in the region.
Temporary Resolution
Negotiations between the protesting employees and authorities led to a two-day pause in the demonstration, allowing train services to resume. However, unresolved grievances suggest the possibility of future disruptions.
Context: Recent Turmoil in Quetta
Quetta’s railway services were restored on November 15 after a deadly blast suspended operations for four days. The November 9 bombing at the railway station, claimed by the BLA Majeed Brigade, killed at least 26 people and injured 62 others, as per Dawn.
The US State Department strongly condemned the attack, expressing condolences to victims and reaffirming its commitment to regional security. Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel highlighted the shared interest between the US and Pakistan in combating such threats.
Looking Ahead
While train services have resumed temporarily, ongoing issues like housing disputes and security concerns indicate challenges ahead for the Quetta railway system. Authorities must prioritize both infrastructure development and employee welfare to avoid further disruptions.
