Observer Report
Islamabad
The Islamabad High Court on Friday issued a notice to the federal government over the Tezgam train incident. A single-judge bench presided by Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani heard a petition seeking the removal of Minister of Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed and an independent inquiry under the Pakistan Commissioner Inquiry Act 2017 for the October 31 tragedy.
Referring to Ahmed’s claim that the fire was a result of passengers attempting to cook food using a cylinder in the moving train, the petition sought “hearing of both parties” under Section 24-A of the General Clauses Act 1897.
“Moreover a man who believes unilateral view is not righteous within the definition of Article 62(I) (1) of the 1973 Constitution,” stated the petition, adding that the railways minister had lost “legal, religious, ethical and constitutional” justification to remain in office after believing in one side view – that of the train officials – and officiating a response without the completion of the inquiry.
The petitioner also asked why Prime Minister Imran Khan had not sought Rashid Ahmed’s resignation yet. “In the past, PM Imran had urged for ministers to resign to ensure transparent inquiries,” he informed the high court.
