Pakistan, often in the news for its economic struggles and alleged support for terrorism, is once again making headlines, this time due to a viral video highlighting the shocking condition of one of its trains.
The video, widely circulated on social media, reveals the crumbling state of what is said to be the ‘Awam Express’ of Pakistan Railways. From broken seats to rust-covered walls and piles of garbage littering the floor, the train appears more like scrap on wheels than a passenger service.
What’s sparking further outrage is the irony that, despite such glaring infrastructural decay, Pakistan continues to assert its claim over Kashmir. The video has stirred up strong reactions online, with many users questioning the government’s priorities. While some dubbed the train a ‘moving junkyard’, others pointed out the hypocrisy of focusing on territorial disputes when basic public services are collapsing.
Inside the coaches, the footage shows alarming sights: large holes in the walls, rusted metal everywhere, and missing seats. Travellers can be seen braving the hazardous environment, an image of helplessness that has triggered a wave of criticism. “When the railway system looks like this, what moral ground is left to claim Kashmir?” wrote one user. Another commented, “This is not just a train, it’s a moving symbol of failure.”
Longstanding Decline of Pakistan Railways
This is not a new issue. The deteriorating state of Pakistan Railways has been widely reported over the years. A 2013 article in The New York Times described how a once-thriving network had become a victim of budget cuts and sheer neglect. Dozens of railway stations have shut down, and many trains run in dangerously poor condition. The situation has also led to several deadly accidents, such as the 2023 Hazara Express derailment that killed 30 passengers.
In 2025, the Jaffar Express came under attack by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), further exposing the vulnerabilities of the railway system and the government’s inability to safeguard its citizens.
