On February 18, 2026, employees of Pakistan Railways' electric department initiated a strike due to the non-payment of travel and health allowances that have been pending for 2.5 years. This strike severely disrupted train operations across the country, leading to temporary power plant shutdowns and technical issues in air-conditioned coaches. The situation escalated as employees gathered at Rawalpindi Railway Station for discussions with senior officials, resulting in an agreement to resume duties while negotiations for the unpaid allowances were set to begin on Wednesday in Lahore. However, reports indicate that the railway lighting staff went on a complete strike on February 17, boycotting train lighting, which left the Tezgam Express departing from Rawalpindi in darkness. The union is demanding the payment of pending travel allowances and salaries before Ramadan, emphasizing the urgency of their situation.