Deployment of railway police, FC beefed up at trains, Quetta stations, NA told

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Railways informed the National Assembly on Monday that following the attack on the Jaffar Express, the presence of Pakistan Railways Police (PRP) and Frontier Corps (FC) personnel has been increased at the railway stations of Quetta Division, as well as on the Jaffar and Bolan Express trains from Quetta to Jacobabad and back.

In a written reply to a question by Shahida Rehmani, the Ministry of Railways stated that FC personnel have been deployed at various railway stations of Quetta Division, while pickets have been established, particularly in hilly areas between Mach and Sibi. In order to foil any attempt of miscreants, a pilot engine is run ahead of Jaffar Express from Quetta Railway Station to Sibi on a daily basis to clear the route. The PRP strength after getting 10 days special training from Commandant, ATF, Training Centre, Quetta, — 1/ASI, 3/HCs & 7/PCs — is being detailed at both trains, Jaffar Express and Bolan Mail, separately from Quetta to Jacobabad and back on a daily basis. Likewise, 1/Captain, 1/Second Lt and 20/FC personnel are being detailed on Jaffar Express and Bolan Mail while Balochistan Levies Force comprising 1/HC and 9/PCs is also being deployed on Jaffar Express only.

However, PRP strength comprising 1/ASI, 2/HCs and 2/PCs is being deployed at Chaman passenger train from Railway Station Quetta to Chaman and back.

All security personnel equipped with latest weapons and walkie talkie sets are determined to make railway travelling secure and comfortable. At the time of arrival/departure of trains, concerned SHOs/Railway Police Stations personally attend the trains and pass the trains smoothly on a regular basis. Moreover, in view of deteriorating law and order situation, 50 more PRP personnel from other PRP Divisions are being detailed at various Railway Stations of Quetta Division for security and surveillance.

Armed FC personnel are also engaged at various railway stations from Mach to Sibi as well as round-the-clock pickets to thwart any attempt of miscreants.

Moreover, another batch of PRP officials is being nominated to undergo ATF course for enhancing/increasing their professional capabilities.

The wireless communication system over Quetta-Sibi is being made fully operational. The process of recruitment against new posts will be finalised in April 2025 and after qualifying Basic Recruit Course, Commando Course, CTD Course, their services will be utilised for strengthening security system for ensuring the safety of passengers and railway infrastructures, especially in Balochistan.

One project titled “Pakistan Railways Integrated Security System (PRP-ISS) has been submitted to the Ministry of Planning, Islamabad for inclusion in PSDP projects for FY2025-26 at the cost of Rs3.1 billion. One project titled “Up-gradation of infrastructure of PRP” has been submitted in the Ministry of Planning for inclusion in PSDP 2025-26 at the cost of Rs5.2 billion.

The Ministry of Interior has been requested to authorise Pakistan Railways Police to obtain CDRs directly from telecommunication companies and the PTA which will be instrumental in bolstering Pakistan Railways Police’s counter-terrorism capabilities, ensuring the safety and security of railway operations, and upholding the integrity of Pakistan’s critical infrastructure.