Pakistan Railways, a historic transportation network connecting the nation’s cities and towns, has recently found itself at the center of social media trolling. From chaotic railway crossings to operational setbacks, netizens on platforms like X have taken to mocking the railway system with a mix of humor, sarcasm, and frustration. While Pakistan Railways is working on modernization efforts, these viral jabs highlight ongoing challenges and public sentiment. TeluguTone explores the trolling phenomenon, its context, and what it means for Pakistan Railways’ future.

The Trolling Trend: Why Pakistan Railways?

Social media platforms, particularly X, have become a hotspot for memes, videos, and sarcastic comments targeting Pakistan Railways. The trolling stems from a combination of real issues—such as safety concerns, outdated infrastructure, and recent incidents like the Jaffar Express hijacking—and a culture of dark humor that thrives online. Posts often exaggerate the railway’s struggles, poking fun at overcrowded trains, delayed schedules, and chaotic crossings. For example, a viral video showing a train narrowly missing vehicles at an unmanned crossing was captioned with phrases like “Pakistan Railways: Where every journey is an adventure!”

The sentiment isn’t entirely new. A post from January 2025 described passengers wearing diapers due to overcrowded toilets, highlighting the dire state of facilities. Another user quipped, “In Pakistan, even tragedy comes with load-shedding, but the jokes arrive on time,” reflecting the public’s tendency to use humor to cope with systemic issues.

Recent Incidents Fueling the Fire

Several high-profile incidents have provided ample material for trolls:

• Jaffar Express Hijacking (March 2025): The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the Jaffar Express, carrying over 400 passengers, in a 36-hour standoff that resulted in 21 civilian and four soldier deaths. The incident exposed security vulnerabilities, prompting trolling about the railway’s inability to ensure passenger safety. Posts on X sarcastically remarked, “Pakistan Railways: Now offering free adventure tours with every ticket!”
• Chaotic Railway Crossings: Videos of vehicles and pedestrians darting across tracks as trains approach have gone viral, showcasing unmanned crossings and lax safety measures. One X user commented, “Pakistan Railways crossings—where survival is a game of chance.” These clips align with reports of incidents like a 2020 train-car collision that killed four, amplifying public criticism.
• Overcrowding and Poor Facilities: Posts from early 2025 described passengers squeezed into compartments “like haystacks”, with toilets so crowded that people slept in them. Such anecdotes fuel memes about the railway’s inability to provide basic amenities.

Social Media’s Role in Amplifying Trolling

The trolling has been amplified by X’s fast-paced, meme-driven culture. Posts often blend humor with biting critique, targeting not just Pakistan Railways but also government inaction. For instance, after the Jaffar Express incident, a user posted, “BLA didn’t hijack the train; they just borrowed it for a joyride—Pakistan Railways style!” Another post mocked the government’s response, saying, “Pakistan Railways handed to the army? Now tanks get priority over passengers!”

The Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, which strained India-Pakistan relations, also spurred railway-related trolling. A video mocking the railway’s condition was shared with hashtags like #PahalgamTerroristAttack, linking domestic issues to geopolitical tensions. These posts reflect a broader trend of Pakistanis using self-deprecating humor to criticize systemic failures, as noted in a Times of India report: “The sharpest rebuke came from everyday Pakistanis, with Wi-Fi in one hand, rage in the other.”

Pakistan Railways’ Response: Modernization Efforts

Despite the trolling, Pakistan Railways is taking steps to address its challenges. Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi has announced several initiatives:

• Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) Trains: In April 2025, Pakistan Railways unveiled plans for state-of-the-art DMU trains under a Public-Private Partnership model. These air-conditioned trains, capable of speeds up to 160 km/h, aim to modernize travel on routes like Lahore-Lalamusa-Rawalpindi.
• Security Enhancements: Post-Jaffar Express hijacking, 50 police personnel were deployed to Quetta, and drone surveillance was introduced for Balochistan routes. CCTV cameras are also being installed at stations.
• Fare Reductions and Eid Trains: To ease public burden, a 20% fare cut was announced for Eid 2025, along with five special trains to facilitate holiday travel.
• Land Reclamation: The Ministry reclaimed 50 billion rupees worth of land through anti-encroachment drives, signaling efforts to strengthen financial stability.

However, critics argue these measures fall short. Dawn noted that while new coaches can reach 200 km/h, Pakistan’s outdated tracks limit their potential, leaving travel times—like the 18-24 hour Karachi-Lahore journey—unchanged.

The Bigger Picture: Public Frustration Meets Humor

The trolling reflects deeper public frustration with Pakistan Railways’ systemic issues—aging infrastructure, security risks, and inconsistent service. With 74 militant attacks reported in January 2025 alone, safety remains a pressing concern. Yet, the humor also serves as a coping mechanism, allowing Pakistanis to channel discontent into satire. As one X post put it, “Pakistan Railways: Where the journey is delayed, but the memes are always on time.”

The railway’s challenges are not unique—many developing nations grapple with similar issues—but the public’s vocal response on X underscores a demand for accountability. While trolling may exaggerate flaws, it also amplifies calls for reform, pushing authorities to prioritize passenger safety and comfort.

Conclusion: A Laugh With a Purpose

Pakistan Railways’ trolling saga is more than just internet banter—it’s a mirror to the system’s struggles and the public’s expectations. As the railway embarks on modernization, from DMU trains to enhanced security, the memes and sarcasm on X serve as both critique and catalyst. At TeluguTone, we encourage readers to look beyond the humor and support efforts to revitalize Pakistan Railways for safer, more reliable travel.

For more updates on global transport trends and witty takes on current events, stay tuned to TeluguTone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Pakistan Railways being trolled on social media?
Trolling stems from incidents like the Jaffar Express hijacking, chaotic railway crossings, and overcrowding, amplified by viral videos and memes on X.

What happened during the Jaffar Express hijacking?
In March 2025, the Balochistan Liberation Army hijacked the Jaffar Express, killing 21 civilians and four soldiers. Security forces rescued over 350 passengers after a 36-hour standoff.

What is Pakistan Railways doing to improve?
The railway is introducing DMU trains, enhancing security with drones and CCTV, reducing fares by 20% for Eid, and reclaiming encroached land.