ISLAMABAD, Feb 8: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has ordered round-the-clock patrolling of rail tracks by security personnel to ensure safety of trains. “Pakistan Railways should establish security posts at the rail tracks and also run pilot engines ahead of scheduled trains for rail security,” the prime minister was quoted as telling a high-level meeting here on Wednesday.

The meeting was attended by Railways Minister Mian Shamim Hyder, Minister of State for Railways Ishaq Khakwani, Pakistan Railways Chairman Shakeel Durrani and other senior officials.

The prime minister was briefed about the train accident of Domeli and Samasatta. Officials of the Railways said the accident was an act of sabotage.

Mr Aziz has taken strong notice of the negligence of the Railways authorities and asked them to improve their working. He said the government was keen to provide “safe, secure and comfortable” travel facilities to the masses.

Sources said the prime minister expressed surprise that there were no security posts along the country’s rail tracks and asked the authorities to establish the same on priority basis so that people could travel without any fear.—Online