At least 30 people died and 50 others were injured as two passenger trains collided close to Pakistan's Dharki city on Monday, local rts said. According to a spokesperson for Pakistan Railways, the accident took place after a Millat Express train — headed from Karachi to Sargodha — derailed and shifted to the "down-track", Dawn News reported.

Due to this, it collided with a Sir Syed Express train coming from Rawalpindi, he said, adding that the incident took place near the Raiti railway station, the newspaper reported.

He told Dawn News that a relief train had been dispatched from Rohri while officials, along with police and the local administration, were carrying out rescue efforts.

He said that helpline centres have been set up for passengers in Karachi, Sukkur, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi.

"Railway traffic would be restored when tracks are cleared," he added.

According to reports, 15 to 20 passengers are still trapped in the wreckage of the Millat Express train and authorities are trying to arrange heavy machinery to rescue those people who are crying for help, said Ghotki SSP Umar Tufail.

Officials believe the death toll might rise.

Ghotki SSP Umar Tufail confirmed the death toll and told Geo News. He said he expected the toll to shoot up as there were still mangled train compartments that rescuers had not been able to access despite the passage of hours since the accident in Ghotki, IBNS said. 

PM Imran Khan expressed shock at the incident. "Shocked by the horrific train accident at Ghotki early this morning leaving 30 passengers dead. Have asked Railway Minister to reach site & ensure medical assistance to injured & support for families of the dead. Ordering comprehensive investigation into railway safety faultlines,"  he tweeted. (SAM)