Pakistan Railways has assigned its police department the responsibility of checking passenger tickets and taking action against people travelling without valid tickets. The decision aims to reduce ticketless travel across major railway routes.
According to an official order issued by the Inspector General of Pakistan Railways Police, special teams will conduct ticket inspections. The order was issued by the Central Police Office in Lahore.
The Pakistan Railways Police will coordinate with Special Branch personnel in the relevant divisions. This coordination will support ticket-checking operations and help identify passengers travelling without proper tickets.
Four Teams Formed for Ticket Inspection
The department has formed four special teams to cover important railway routes across the country. These teams will carry out ticket checks on the following routes:
- Peshawar–Rawalpindi
- Lahore–Multan
- Sukkur–Karachi Main Line
- Sukkur–Quetta
The teams have been directed to monitor passengers and take action against those who do not possess valid travel tickets. Their activities will be carried out according to the instructions issued by the department.
The Pakistan Railways Police has also introduced reporting requirements for the special teams. Officials must submit daily reports to the Central Police Office for review.
In addition, team members must share their live locations twice daily through WhatsApp. The information will allow the competent authority to monitor their movements and review their assigned duties.
Senior Officers Directed to Provide Support
The official order states that negligence in carrying out the assigned responsibility will not be tolerated. Senior police officers have been instructed to ensure proper coordination with the special teams.
All senior superintendents of police must direct station house officers and railway police post in-charges to assist the teams. This includes providing necessary support and making accommodation arrangements when required.
The instructions are intended to facilitate ticket-checking operations across the designated railway divisions.
Concerns Over Ticket-Checking Responsibilities
The decision has raised questions within the department regarding the resources and training available to railway police personnel. Concerns have been expressed about the lack of dedicated ticket-checking devices and specialised training for this work.
Ticket issuance and verification have traditionally been associated with the commercial department of Pakistan Railways. Meanwhile, the railway police primarily focus on passenger security and protecting railway property.
The assignment has therefore prompted discussion about how responsibilities will be divided between the police and commercial departments.
Further details about the implementation of the ticket-checking process, including available equipment and training arrangements, have not been provided in the reference order.
The new instructions place additional operational responsibilities on railway police teams. Their daily reports and location updates will be used to monitor the progress of the ticket inspection campaign.
In other related news also read Pakistan Railways Suspends Karachi Train Services
The initiative is focused on preventing ticketless travel while ensuring coordination between railway police and relevant departmental personnel.
