Crisis could Derail Annual Marian Pilgrimage

August 12, 2011: Organizers of Pakistan’s biggest Catholic gathering say that an unprecedented crisis on the nation’s railways may hinder pilgrims from attending the annual Marian pilgrimage. Father Mushtaq Pyara, secretary of the pilgrimage committee, expressed concern as devotees prepare for the 62nd pilgrimage to the National Marian Shrine in Mariamabad, Punjab province. More than 100,000 people are expected to attend the September 9-11 gathering, which has the theme “St. Mary: Mother of mercy.”
Media reports say Pakistan Railways has only 102 engines to run 153 trains and situation will not improve till next year. The deterioration of hundreds of locomotives is already causing up to eight hours delays compared to timetable.
Father Pyara hopes a financial crisis on the railways can be resolved in a few weeks. “The majority of the pilgrims belong to the poor and middle classes and prefer travelling by train. Not everybody can afford air travel or can arrive on foot or bicycle; very few use buses for long distance travel,” he added.