Railway security

This refers to the news report, ‘20 killed as Jaffar Express runs off track in Bolan’ (November 18). Train travel, particularly on routes that link Balochistan with the rest of the country, has become dangerous in recent years. On November 1, a blast ripped through a bogie – again off the Jaffar Express – that killed four people. It seems militants are making the most of their planning by sabotaging train traffic in the province. People are the ultimate casualties in all such incidents and suffer either way.
Train drivers in Quetta have announced a strike to press for better security and working conditions in their department. However, the use of the word ‘security’ is rather vague as they could be seeking security from terrorist attacks or from train accidents in general. In both cases, they are justified to air their concerns and remind the Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique of his duty to the province.
Mola Bakhsh Saleman
Turbat