Federal Railroad Minister Hanif Abbasi announced on Saturday a compensation package of RS5.2 million for the families of the victims of the recent Japhafar Express train attack in Baluchistan, along with works for their children in their ministry.
The attack began on Tuesday afternoon when the terrorists of the Liberation Army of Baluchistan (Bla) ambush the train to Peshawar with 440 passengers, opened fire and took hostages. The security forces launched a two -day operation, concluding on Wednesday night. Lieutenant General Chaudhry confirmed that the 33 terrorists were neutralized, but no hostages were damaged in the final rescue phase. He also said that the incident had changed the “rules of the game.”
The operation, which lasted more than 36 hours, resulted in the rescue of 354 passengers. However, 26 hostages lost their lives, including 18 military and border personnel, three railway employees and five civilians. In addition, five security personnel were martyred. The victim count could increase, since 37 of rescued hostages suffered injuries and are being treated in hospitals.
When announcing the compensation package for the victims during a press conference in Lahore, Abbasi said: “The rail package that we have announced is RS5.2M each that we will give them (families of the victims) and we will try that if they (victims) have children, then we will continue in service. [as railway employees]. “
He said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the head of the Army had decided that terrorists, either in Pakistan or those who have fled to other countries, would not be saved.
Praising the security forces, he praised his efforts to rescue the trapped passengers, calling their “remarkable” operation. He said that suicide terrorists had planned to kill train passengers, but the army command had successfully neutralized them before they could detonate their explosives.
He pointed out that he had never seen such a high amount of suicidal terrorists in Quetta, urging the entire nation to join.
Abbasi criticized the elements within Pakistan who could not condemn the attack of Jaffar Express, despite China and the United States expressing his conviction. He urged political parties to reserve differences and join for national security.
The minister said that Pakistan, as nuclear energy, was the first among 57 Islamic countries, which makes it a “objective for destabilization by global forces.”
He accused India of supporting terrorist activities by opening 22 consulates in Afghanistan and facilitating terrorist attacks in Pakistan.
Abbasi added that some Pakistani had become facilitators of terrorism, calling Jaffar Express attack one of the greatest incidents of this type worldwide.
He claimed that India was spending billions to create ethnic divisions between Baloch, Pakhtun and Punjabi communities, with the aim of destabilizing Pakistan.
He also warned that China-Pakistan’s economic corridor (CPEC) was being attacked by world forces because Pakistan was recovering the economic force.
The minister warned that those who betrayed their country must face the consequences. In addition, he declared that terrorists within Pakistan, who flee to Afghanistan, would not be saved.
Abbasi criticized the propaganda against the army after the train attack, stating that the Indian elements attacked the army. Again he emphasized the need for political unity against national security threats.
Contenting the false propaganda in social networks about the attack of Jaffar Express, the minister said: “If the terrorists attacked with weapons, some attacked through social networks. We will deal with both. “
He warned against internal divisions, urging: “He doesn’t turn on his own flames with his own hands.”
Abbasi confirmed that a police officer and a railway mechanic worker were martyred in Jaffar Express attack, added that his sacrifices were invaluable.
Finally, he emphasized that Pakistan’s economic and defense stability must go hand in hand, stating: “Without a strong economy, people cannot afford food; Without a defense, a nation loses its honor. “
Railway Department Reforms
Regarding Pakistan Railways, Abbasi said that despite the numerous challenges, the government promised to make it profitable and efficient. He pointed out that he had only been in charge for 10 to 12 days, but he was already pressing for the reforms.
Expressing frustration for delays in the ML-1 project, he announced that Pakistan would complete it through his own resources in several phases. He assured the public that the government focused on guaranteeing the punctuality of the train, maintaining cleaning and enforcing transparency, without commitments.
He also declared that the Railway Police agents would now operate on the Payment Scale 7 and the sub-inspectors attending the Scale-11, putting their salaries and benefits in line with the Punjab police.
When addressing security concerns, Abbasi revealed that all railway scanner machines did not work, and that the railway police lacked labor and infrastructure, which makes security a great concern. However, he clarified that the Government would not interfere with the affairs of the Railway Police, but that it would support them completely.
Abbasi also announced plans to update the railroad stations, including the installation of surveillance cameras and improvements in cargo transport.
Abbasi also announced that filtration plants will be installed at the railway stations to provide clean drinking water.
Discussing the railway reforms, he declared that he had consulted former Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique and that a key event was being considered to improve the department.
He revealed that 13 main railway locations in Karachi, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi and Sukkur had been identified as potential income generators.
