LAHORE: As many as 875 personnel and officers, including 87 women, officially joined the Pakistan Railways Police after completing the 69th recruit course and the 2nd sub-inspector (legal) course at the Railways Police Training School, Walton.

The passing-out parade was attended by Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi as the chief guest. The ceremony was also attended by Inspector General Railways Police Muhammad Wisal Fakhar Sultan, senior officers of, members of the training staff, parents, and media representatives.

Congratulating the passing-out personnel and officers, the minister said they would now assume the responsibility of protecting railway passengers, national railway assets, and railway infrastructure across the country. He urged the newly-inducted members of the force to discharge their duties with integrity, courage, discipline, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to public service in order to strengthen public trust in the Railways Police.

The minister expressed confidence that, the railway police would continue to enhance its professional standards and improve the quality of public service. He said the force was playing a vital role not only in maintaining law and order but also in preventing ticketless travel, assisting passengers, and safeguarding railway property.

Emphasising the importance of the railways police, Mr Abbasi stated that railways could not effectively protect its passengers or assets without the force. He acknowledged the sacrifices rendered by the personnel and assured that the welfare and operational proposals presented by the IG would be addressed on a priority basis.

Addressing the ceremony, Mr Sultan appreciated the leadership and reform initiatives of the federal minister, stating that his vision had accelerated the revival of Pakistan Railways, improved passenger services, and strengthened institutional development.

The IG said the Railways Police remained fully committed to supporting this vision by ensuring a safe, secure, and dignified travel environment for all passengers, particularly women, children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.

Highlighting the force’s anti-encroachment campaign, he stated that, in line with the federal minister’s vision, a target had been set to retrieve railway land worth Rs10 billion during the current year. He said railway land valued at approximately Rs7 billion had already been retrieved, which would contribute significantly to increasing the revenue of Pakistan Railways.

He urged the passing-out personnel and officers to uphold the rule of law, maintain the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and professionalism, treat every passenger with dignity and respect, and remain free from corruption, favouritism, and the misuse of authority.

Published in Dawn, July 17th, 2026