Islamabad, Aug 8: Pakistan on Thursday announced that it is permanently discontinuing the Samjhauta Express train service with India following New Delhi's revocation of special status for Jammu and Kashmir.

The decision was announced by Pakistan's Railway Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed at a press conference. He said that the boggies of the Samjhauta Express will now be used for passengers travelling on the occasion of Eid. "This will increase the capacity of Eid trains and more people will be able to travel in them." Pakistan Suspends Samjhauta Express Services After Article 370 Abrogation From Jammu and Kashmir, But Says Work on Kartarpur Sahib Corridor Will Continue.

The Samjhauta Express ran twice a week from Lahore to Attari via the Wagah railway station.

People who have bought tickets for the Samjhauta Express will be reimbursed. "You can collect the payment from Lahore's divisional superintendent office," said the Minister.

"We don't want war but we can't sit quietly over Indian atrocities in Kashmir... Srinagar is not Jerusalem," he added.

The train service was suspended earlier this year after military tensions escalated between the two neighbours following the Pulwama attack and Balakot strike.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 08, 2019 03:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).