Expecting small from the government, Pakistan Railways' train drivers did not bother to come for the talks with the management on Monday, it is learnt. Official sources revealed to Business Recorder that train drivers were scheduled to meet the Railways' high-ups at the Railway Headquarters to discuss their issues and demands. The administration waited for them, but train drivers did not come up, the official added.

Drivers had announced that strike will continue until their demands are met by the government. The demands included increases in mileage and meal allowance and restoration of suspended drivers, some of which are reportedly involved in different train accidents.

Sources revealed that the government is ready to meet their genuine demands, but is showing no flexibility on the issue of arrested drivers and criminal cases registered against them. The representative of driver association revealed that seven train drivers were arrested, while 22 FIRs have been registered so far. Until the government releases them, they will not negotiate, he added.

The Railways authorities said that train drivers did not take their strike call back, but it was the government who promptly acted and foiled drivers' strike and resumed the trains operations. The spokesman said that contractual drivers have been called in to keep train operation running smoothly in the country. "Though trains operation was resumed, due to interruption on Sunday trains continued to delay on Monday," said another Railway official, adding that as a result hundreds of passengers suffered.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2017