Pakistan suspends key railway with India

In this file photo, a Pakistani policeman stands guard near the Samjhota Express train traveling to India at Lahore railway station on Feb. 25, 2019. (AFP)

• Suspension announcement was made as passengers were waiting to board a train in Lahore
• Pakistan on Wednesday downgraded its diplomatic ties with India

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan says it has suspended a key train service with neighboring India over change in Kashmir’s special status by New Delhi.
Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmad says the Express, or Friendship Express, train service is suspended from Thursday.
The latest move comes a day after Pakistan downgraded its diplomatic ties with India and suspended trade in response to New Delhi’s decision to reduce the special status of Kashmir, a Himalayan region claimed by both countries.
The railway suspension announcement was made as passengers were waiting to board a train in the eastern city of Lahore to travel to India.