LAHORE: The Train Drivers' Association has withdrawn its call for strike after they were assured by the authorities of increase in salaries and perks, and release of arrested fellows.

The call for strike had cast doubts on schedule of trains across the country, after passengers suffered on Saturday in the wake of protest by train drivers.

On Saturday night, several engine drivers of Pakistan Railways stopped their trains at Rohri Station, causing distress and inconvenience to passengers. They were protesting to demand better salaries and reemployment of terminated staffers, among other things.

The situation prompted Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique to address a press conference, at which he said all operations would be back to normal within 48 hours.

Trains back on track following drivers' protest

Protesting low salaries and colleagues' termination, drivers had stopped working late Saturday night

Inviting protesting drivers to return to duty and offering to negotiate, the minister warned, "Those who do not return to work will be going home".

Amid crisis, 14 train drivers were also apprehended; six from Rawalpindi and eight from Karachi.

However, authorities on Sunday assured train drivers of increasing salaries and perks and setting their arrested fellows free. At this, the drivers' association withdrew its strike call, which was to take effect from Sunday night.

Confirming the development, Irfan Iqbal, president of train drivers' association, said talks for the release of arrested drivers will be held on Monday.

"Railways authorities and representatives of drivers' association will meet at Railways Headquarters for this purpose," he said.