Hanif Abbasi reaffirms commitment to transparency, modernisation in PR

LAHORE, Jul 16 (APP):Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi on Thursday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan Railways (PR) through merit, transparency and improved security, saying the Pakistan Railways Police

plays a vital role in safeguarding the country’s transport network and national assets.

Addressing the passing-out parade of Pakistan Railways Police 69th Recruits Course and the 2nd SI Legal Course at the Railway Police Training School Walton, the minister paid tribute to the country’s law enforcement agencies, martyrs and veterans for their sacrifices in ensuring Pakistan’s peace and security.

He said Pakistan Railways is not merely a transport organisation but a symbol of national unity and economic development, carrying millions of passengers and large volumes of freight every day.

Hanif Abbasi praised the performance of the Pakistan Railways Police under the leadership of the Inspector General Wisal Fakhar , saying the force had significantly improved its professional standards, public service, passenger facilitation, protection of railway property and efforts to curb ticketless travel. He particularly lauded the latest recruitment process, stating that every recruit had been selected purely on merit without any political influence or recommendations.

Congratulating the graduating recruits and their parents, the minister urged the young officers to uphold honesty, discipline, justice and public service throughout their careers. He advised them to treat passengers with respect, enforce the law without discrimination and perform their duties with dedication.

The minister said the government was working to improve training facilities, administrative infrastructure and residential colonies for railway employees. He assured the participants that issues highlighted by the Railways Police regarding training and welfare would be addressed, recognising the force’s indispensable role in protecting passengers and railway assets.

Paying glowing tribute to the martyrs of Pakistan’s security forces, Hanif Abbasi said thousands of personnel had sacrificed their lives in the fight against terrorism, including members of the Pakistan Railways Police. He condemned terrorist attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to eliminate terrorism while preserving national unity.

Highlighting the government’s achievements, the minister said Pakistan Railways had recorded its highest-ever annual revenue of Rs115 billion, up from Rs88 billion, while efforts were continuing to modernise infrastructure and address operational shortcomings. He stressed that transparency and merit would remain the guiding principles in all future reforms.

Concluding his address, Hanif Abbasi congratulated all graduating recruits and their families, expressing confidence that the newly-trained personnel would serve the nation with professionalism, integrity and dedication, contributing to a stronger and more secure Pakistan.

Earlier, the IG Railway Police also addressed the participants.