In response to the hijacking of a train in restive Balochistan province last month, Pakistan Railways has ramped up security across key routes and submitted a multibillion-rupee plan to the federal government to modernize its safety infrastructure.
On March 11, militants hijacked the Jaffar Express in the Bolan area, taking passengers hostage before a security operation ended the standoff. The incident triggered alarms across the country’s rail network, particularly in volatile regions.
The train service was restored 17 days later, on March 28, with the Jaffar Express departing Quetta for Peshawar under tight security. Since then, authorities have rolled out a series of measures to bolster train security, particularly along the Quetta-Jacobabad corridor.
Enhanced on-ground deployment
Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi detailed the efforts in a written response to the National Assembly. He said the number of personnel from the Pakistan Railways Police (PRP) and Frontier Corps (FC) has been tripled on the Jaffar and Bolan Express routes between Quetta and Jacobabad.
To prevent future attacks, a pilot engine now runs ahead of the Jaffar Express between Quetta and Sibi, clearing the route for any threats.
“Security pickets have been established in hilly areas between Mach and Sibi, and the FC is stationed at several railway stations,” Abbasi said.
Additionally, personnel from the Balochistan Levies, the FC, and the PRP are now onboard the trains. Each service of the Jaffar Express is escorted by one FC captain, a second lieutenant, and 20 personnel, along with Levies and PRP officers.
Training and technology upgrades
Railways police officers assigned to these trains have received specialized 10-day training from the Anti-Terrorism Force Training Center in Quetta. Each train now includes an onboard team of 11 PRP personnel—one assistant sub-inspector, three head constables, and seven constables.
Abbasi added that the PRP is also deploying additional officers to the Chaman Passenger Train. One ASI, two head constables, and two constables now travel from Quetta to Chaman and back.
All personnel are equipped with modern weapons and walkie-talkies. SHOs at railway police stations personally attend train arrivals and departures, ensuring close monitoring of operations.
Temporary reinforcements
To maintain security across the broader Quetta Division, 50 PRP officers from other divisions have been temporarily stationed at key points. FC personnel also maintain 24/7 watch at sensitive locations from Mach to Sibi.
Another batch of PRP officials is set to undergo advanced training, including commando and counterterrorism courses, to further professionalize the force.
The wireless communication system between Quetta and Sibi is also being restored to full functionality.
“The recruitment process for newly sanctioned posts will conclude this month,” Abbasi said. “Once trained, these recruits will be deployed to safeguard passengers and rail infrastructure.”
Proposed security system
Pakistan Railways has submitted a PKR 3.1 billion proposal for a “Pakistan Railways Integrated Security System” (PRP-ISS) to the Ministry of Planning for inclusion in the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) for FY 2025–26.
In addition, a PKR 5.2 billion project to upgrade the PRP’s infrastructure has been proposed.
The Ministry of Interior has also been requested to authorize the PRP to access call data records (CDRs) from telecom operators and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.
“This capability would significantly enhance the counterterrorism potential of railway police,” Abbasi said.
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