Samjhauta Express leaves for Delhi after week's delay
At least 200 to 300 people travel between the two countries twice a week
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Samjhauta Express on Thursday has left for India with at least 192 passengers onboard after delay from the neighbouring authorities.
The express was not allowed to cross the border for the past week. The authorities had turned the express back twice in the last week due to ongoing protests by farmers in Punjab.
The Indian railways informed Pakistani authorities concerned that the train is vulnerable to attacks on its way as agitated farmers have resorted to protests. At least 200 to 300 people travel between the two countries twice a week however, the number surges when Sikh pilgrimage nears.
Earlier on October 13, at least 14 passengers reached Pakistan on ‘Dosti Bus’ service that runs from Delhi to Lahore and back. The Pakistani High Commission (HC) had said that efforts were being made to renew expiring passports of the stranded Pakistanis in Delhi due to suspension of the train.
The total number of Pakistanis stranded in Delhi was 35 before 14 were transported using friendship bus service. As many as 86 Indian nationals had crossed Wagah-Attari border on foot on Tuesday. The Indians were shifted to Wagah border from Lahore Railways Station. The affected travellers included 25 women and ten children.
The total 192 passengers that have embarked on the journey in early hours today include 122 Indians and 72 Pakistanis. The train was to leave at around 8am however, the security clearance caused a delay of half an hour.
The irked passengers urged governments of the countries concerned to take steps to ensure regular smooth travelling.
The express was to leave on Monday but the departure was pushed further to October 15 by India. Ministry of Foreign Affairs had summoned Indian acting deputy high commissioner, Raghuram to explain cancellation of the service.
Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday had directed Foreign Office (FO) to take steps necessary for immediate return of the stranded Pakistanis in Delhi. While, a statement of Federal Minister for Railways Saad Rafique also surfaced in which he had assured safety of the Pakistani passengers in Delhi.
