Jaffar Express: martyrs’ families to get Rs5.2m, railway jobs

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi has announced Rs5.2 million in compensation for the families of those martyred in the Jafar Express attack, along with employment for their children in the railway department. 

Addressing a press conference at the railway headquarters after assuming charge, Abbasi said the attack exposed India’s hostility towards Pakistan, with Afghanistan also playing a role. 

According to the army spokesperson, the death toll from Jaffar Express attack had risen to 31 soldiers, staff and civilians. Soldiers killed 33 of the insurgents, rescued 354 hostages and brought the siege to a close, he added.

Railways minister asserted that national leadership would not spare any terrorists, whether they were hiding in Pakistan or had fled to Afghanistan. 

Referring to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), he said that while the nation mourned the Jaffar Express attack, a specific political party echoed the same narrative as India. 

He claimed that PTI’s media wing and Indian groups were jointly criticising the armed forces. “Why didn’t they target Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, or Bilawal? Has PTI been paid billions to go after the military?” he questioned. 

The minister pledged to launch the long-delayed ML-1 project using local funds and ensure timely train operations, cleanliness, and transparency within the department. 

He further stated that the government would not interfere in railway police operations but would assist them, adding that railway police salaries had been raised to match those of Punjab police. 

Plans were also announced to upgrade railway stations, install surveillance cameras, and enhance cargo services to generate additional revenue. 

Meanwhile, the National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution condemning the Jaffar Express hijacking by a banned militant group. 

The resolution, presented by Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, had the support of opposition and government lawmakers alike. 

It denounced the hijacking and acts of terrorism that endangered civilians and disrupted national peace, reaffirming the nation’s resolve to eliminate terrorism. 

The resolution further stated that no individual or group would be allowed to threaten Pakistan’s sovereignty, security, or stability.