The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has reserved its judgment on a petition filed to investigate the Tezgam Express tragedy. On Friday, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani of the Islamabad High Court reserved judgment on the parties’ arguments. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani remarked that the Ministry of Home Affairs, Police, and Railways was conducting its inquiry. The whole of Pakistan had become an investigating officer in the matter.
Petitioner’s counsel contended that he should have resigned due to the Railway Minister’s conduct in the accident. Judge Mohsin Akhtar said that if the conductor had to resign, all the ministers would have to resign. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani said that resignation is always given on moral grounds, but Pakistan’s morality has not reached this level yet. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani further remarked that the entire investigation of the motorway tragedy was being carried out in the media.
In the Islamabad High Court, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Railways submitted a Tezgam tragedy report. The report said that in the light of the inquiry, 15 people were found responsible for the tragedy, including five head constables, a Tablighi Jamaat member, and two private waiters are responsible. Deputy Divisional Superintendent Karachi, Divisional Commercial Officer Karachi, SH Hyderabad, and Khanpur were found guilty of negligence.
The report also said that reservation supervisor Qamar Shah has also been charged with irregularities, and disciplinary action has been initiated against all those responsible. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani remarked that the Ministry of Home Affairs and Railways are conducting separate inquiries. In these circumstances, can an inquiry commission be ordered? Lawyer Riaz Hanif Rahi said order should be issued for an independent inquiry into the broader interest’s tragedy.
