Quetta-bound trains security tightened
The locomotive of Jaffar Express is decorated as the train departs for Quetta from Peshawar Cantt Station. PHOTO: APP
In the wake of last month's attack on the Jaffar Express, stringent security measures have been implemented for trains operating between Quetta and other cities, including Lahore.
The number of security personnel deployed has been increased from 11 to 40, Inspector General of Railways Police Rao Muhammad Tahir told The Express Tribune.
According to IG Tahir, boundary walls will be constructed at Quetta, Sibi and Mach railway stations to enhance security. Watchtowers will also be built at these locations, and trained snipers will be deployed to ensure better surveillance and response capability.
Meanwhile, efforts are also being made to curb theft of railway material.
According to IG Tahir, personnel going off duty will now be required to record video footage before handing over charge to their replacements to improve accountability and reduce pilferage.
The IG further said that a decisive crackdown will be launched against land grabbers, and all encroached railway land will be retrieved at any cost.
In order to improve daily operations, all police stations under the railways have been supplied with essential stationery and basic items required for routine work.
Moreover, a summary has been sent for the upgradation of railway police personnel's pay scales to bring them at par with other law enforcement forces.
The Jaffar Express came under attack on March 11 when Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) militants ambushed the Peshawar-bound train, which was carrying 440 passengers. The assailants opened fire and took hostages, prompting a security operation that lasted two days.
Immediately after the attack, the security at train stations across the country had beefed up.
Earlier this week, the Ministry of Railways informed the National Assembly that security has been ramped up with increased deployment of Pakistan Railways Police (PRP) and Frontier Corps (FC) personnel at railway stations across Quetta Division.
Additional security has also been provided on the Jaffar and Bolan Express trains running between Quetta and Jacobabad.
Responding in writing to a question by MNA Shahida Rehmani, the ministry said FC personnel have been stationed at key railway stations in the region, with pickets set up in hilly stretches between Mach and Sibi.
As an added precaution, a pilot engine now precedes the Jaffar Express daily from Quetta to Sibi to ensure the track is clear of any threats.
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