LAHORE: The Interior Ministry has agreed to provide the Federal Constabulary (FC) to Pakistan Railways (PR) for the security of railway tracks, trains, and to help recover commercial railway land from illegal occupants in major cities. Joint operations will also target encroachments on railway property.
During a meeting at the PR headquarters on Monday, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi assured Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, “We are ready to provide FC troops to help recover valuable railway land from grabbers in major cities.”
The meeting also focused on upgrading railway stations, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Khanewal, Okara, and Faisalabad. Both ministries agreed to launch a Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) shuttle train between Islamabad and Rawalpindi to improve passenger services.
A senior PR official said the DMU train will have two small locomotives with four to five modern coaches at the front and rear, carrying around 400 passengers. CDA officials will soon coordinate with the railway department to finalize the service plan.
— ALSO READ —
Digital wallets introduced for 10 million BISP beneficiaries
Security of railway assets was also reviewed in detail. Minister Naqvi emphasized, “Every possible measure will be taken to ensure foolproof security of railway tracks and trains. Passengers’ safety is our top priority.”
Railways Minister Abbasi praised steps taken to improve PR performance but criticized the mechanical department for delays in maintaining the rolling stock. “Trains are the lifeline of the railway.
All efforts must be made to keep them in good condition. Officers must ensure transparency and avoid buying parts without third-party evaluation,” he said.
PR CEO Aamir Ali Baloch, Inspector General of Railway Police Rai Tahir, and other senior officials attended the meeting. Abbasi described the discussions as “very productive,” highlighting the coordination with FC to recover railway land and remove encroachments.
Punjab students to benefit from World Bank grant of $47.9 million
