Pakistan Plans to Heighten Security at Major Rail Stations

March 2, 2007
Walk-through detection machines, surveillance cameras planned for mass transit rail stations

Stepping up security in the aftermath of the Samjhauta Express blasts, Pakistan would install walk-through machines and surveillance cameras across major railway stations of the country by the end of this month.

The steps were announced by Pakistan Railways following directives by the Prime Minister's Secretariat to ensure proper security for railway stations and trains.

The authorities had already prepared a feasibility report for 20 walk-through machines, but because of a shortage of funds, the ministry was waiting for help from the Secretariat, 'The Daily Times' reported.

Two machines one for male passengers and the other for females will be installed at each major station such as the ones in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar and Multan.

The Pakistan Army and other law-enforcement agencies would train the Railway police in operating these machines ahead of their installation, they added.

It has also been decided that passengers would be allowed through only one entry point at railway stations.

Railways Inspector General of Police Zaheer Ahmed said following the Samjhauta Express explosions, security had been tightened and plain-clothed policemen have been deployed at almost all railway stations.

"The Railway police are also planning to install surveillance cameras," Zaheer said adding that a proposal for this purpose had already been sent to the ministry for approval.