Key Takeaways
- Pakistan Railways Police assigned to ticket-checking duty.
- Four teams formed to conduct checks on specific routes.
- Teams to submit daily reports and share live locations.
Pakistan Railways Police have been tasked with checking passengers’ tickets and taking action against those travelling without valid tickets, according to an official order issued by the Office of the Inspector General, Pakistan Railways Police, Central Police Office Lahore.
Four special teams have been formed to conduct ticket checks on the Peshawar-Rawalpindi, Lahore-Multan, Sukkur-Karachi Main Line, and Sukkur-Quetta routes.
The teams are required to submit daily reports to the Central Police Office and share their live locations twice a day through WhatsApp for review by the competent authority.
The order also warned that no negligence would be tolerated in carrying out the assigned task, emphasizing the importance of strict adherence to the new responsibilities.
All senior superintendents of police have been instructed to direct station house officers and railway police post in-charges to coordinate with the special teams and provide full assistance, including accommodation arrangements.
However, concerns have been raised within the department regarding the lack of dedicated ticket-checking devices and specialised training for the railway police personnel.
There are also concerns over the division of responsibilities within Pakistan Railways, as ticket issuance and checking traditionally fall under the commercial department, while railway police are primarily responsible for security and protection of railway property.
The move has sparked discussions among railway officials and staff, with some questioning the practicality and efficiency of the new arrangement.
