Train drivers end strike after 18 hours
With the strike called off, the schedule of trains across the country is likely to return to normal soon
LAHORE: The Train Drivers' Association ended its strike on Sunday after they were assured by the authorities of increase in salaries and perks, and release of arrested fellows.
The strike, which lasted for 18 hours, affected schedule of trains across the country late Saturday.
Several engine drivers of Pakistan Railways stopped their trains at Rohri Station, causing distress and inconvenience to passengers. They were protesting to demand better salaries and reemployment of terminated staffers, among other things.
The situation prompted Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique to address a press conference, at which he said all operations would be back to normal within 48 hours.
Inviting protesting drivers to return to duty and offering to negotiate, the minister warned, "Those who do not return to work will be going home".
Amid crisis, 14 train drivers were apprehended; six from Rawalpindi and eight from Karachi.
However, authorities on Sunday assured train drivers of increasing salaries and perks and setting their arrested fellows free. At this, the drivers' association ended the strike.
Confirming the development, Irfan Iqbal, president of Train Drivers' Association, said talks for the release of arrested drivers will be held on Monday.
"Railways authorities and representatives of drivers' association will meet at Railways Headquarters for this purpose," he said.