Thread by @Khalid_Munir

In 1997 I was posted at Ammo Depot Khanewal. At 5 am a burning train stopped in front of depot. We had 5 fire tenders. Extuingished fire. Took out passengers who were in shock. Gave them blankets and then tea and Biscuits. They were surprised that how 1/ of many #Tezgam

2. Fire tenders came out of forest. One person died who hid in bathroom. Rest were saved. I reported the matter to Log Area Comd who called me to Multan. Asked me under whic authority I used army resources without permission. Told him at it was instant decision

He was angry and said what if a blast had taken place in ammo and these fire tenders were needed there. Tried to convince him then said if that had happened I would not be here to answer questions coz it’s equal to thousands of Ojhri camps. 3/of many

Came back with a verbal warning. The dead body was taken by police. 2 days later a rep of Railway who was in fed govt came and said there was no dead person. The dead was a goat. I called SHO Kacha Kooh. He also said it was a goat and that he has buried it. 4/ of many

I asked him how many completely burnt goats have u buried in your service. The grave was dug and human remains were recovered. Railways rep said u just cost us 150000 Rs in compensation. That day newspapers were full of praise for army

Which made the unhappy log area comd also happy. After 2 moths a train derailed in Khanewal with lot of casualties. DC called me for help. Told him I don’t have crane Khanewal is 27 miles and he has to take permission from Log area. Info Comd log area of events

Next day newspapers said army did not come for rescue despite request from DC . Comd log area was worried I said I don’t have crane it was 27 miles and U had stopped me from taking action in previous incident. Had objection on last reason.

Next day explanation from GHQ arrived. A shaken Comd log area called and said what are u going to write. I said the 3 reasons I told him. He said well that was an advisory not an order. Anyhow GHQ accepted the explanation and instruction were issued from COAS to whole army

That in future in such situations local army will make their own decisions and inform higher formations later. In today’s #Tezgam case railway will try hard to cover up its inefficiencies.