ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Railways has restored the Sandal Express, that used to run between Sargodha and Multan, with immediate effect, following intervention by the Wafaqi Mohtasib (federal ombudsman), to benefit a large number of commuters in both cities and adjoining districts, including businessmen, government employees and students.

The train service had been suspended during Covid-19, and could not be restored despite repeated appeals from locals for its restoration. The matter was finally taken up by the Wafaqi Mohtasib, after a citizen, Ramzan, approached the office.

The federal ombudsman Sargodha regional office head summoned relevant officials of the Pakistan Railways from Rawalpindi and Multan divisions for a hearing. During proceedings, railway authorities failed to provide any cogent reason for not restoring the service and contended that restoration of any route was the prerogative of the Railway Headquarters in Lahore.

The PR headquarters was subsequently taken on board and, after considering all aspects of the matter, the Wafaqi Mohtasib office ordered restoration of the express train on the Sargodha-Jhang-Multan route. The PR authorities complied with the directive.

Published in Dawn, September 24th, 2026