Train service in Sindh to resume today: Minister
By Adnan Rafique

ISLAMABAD—Caretaker Minister for Railways Mansoor Tariq Monday said that the train service in Karachi and Sukkur divisions, Sindh would resume by Tuesday morning.
Talking to media here, he said the damaged tracks and bridgeshave been temporarily repaired in Sindh to connect with rest of the country.
The Minister said “Pakistan Railways (PR) had to suspend its train service in certain areas of the Sindh as Railways installations including trains, tracks, locomotives, bridges, level crossings, communication towers and other operational instruments came under severe attacks by the angry mobs on Saturday and Sunday”. Mansoor Tariq said that this has cost PR billions of rupees as the miscreants burnt and damaged over 63 railway stations, 29 locomotives, 31 level crossings, 170 coaches 18 bridges and 5cranes.
The other items included 27 block instruments, and one VHFtower between Rohri and Sukkur causing railways communication de- link between the Sindh and rest of the country, he added.
The Minister said that on 16 various locations, the rail trackwas either up-rooted or badly damaged by the mobs, bringing the train operations at halt in Karachi and Sukkur divisions of Sindh.
He said that the deteriorating law and order situation inthese areas initially hampered the rehabilitation work however, the relief was started immediately with the help of over 300 Railwaysworkers and officers in co-ordination with Pakistan Army andRangers.
Mansoor Tariq said that more than 3,000 passengers stranded ondifferent locations and trains, were provided food and shelter and transported with the help of Army to their desired destinations.
He said that Edhi Foundation and other local NGOs also contributed in the relief operation.
He said the entire track on main line in Karachi and Sukkur divisions has been made fit temporarily, adding, the speed restrictions would remain imposed till the fitness of track andbridges permanently for all kind of rail traffic.
The speed of trains would be curtailed from 105 km to 85 km in the affected areas, he said.
Four stranded Oil Special Freight Trains have been cleared ex Khanpur, Bhiria Road and Nawabshah for Muzaffargarh and Laalpir to meet the fuel needs in other parts of the country, the Minister maintained.