Railways need e-policing

In conversation with IG Railways Police

LAHORE: Dr Rao Sardar Ali Khan is serving as IG Railways Police. His differences with the then PTI government over the election of Chief Minister Punjab led to his transfer from Punjab police to Railways. BolNews sat down with him to discuss his role as a policeman. He was heading the Punjab Safe Cities Authority as its Managing Director when he was made the IG Punjab in 2021 by the PTI government. The excerpts from his interview are as follows.

What are the core issues with Railway police?

I strongly feel that the lack of equipment and technology, for instance, CCTV cameras is a major issue. I have started working on this. I am also focusing to introduce e-policing and increase the pay package of railway police.

Why did you choose to become a police officer after passing CSS?

Police has always been my choice of preference over other professions as this is where you can help the deprived segment of society in a far better way. I would have earned a lot of money being a specialised doctor [laughs], but I feel more satisfied as a police officer.

Who was your main source of inspiration?

My mother had a great role in my upbringing and character-building. I lost my father at a very young age and she taught me not to go after material gains. Besides the police job, I inherited a piece of land in my hometown which is enough for me and my family.

Why type of cases do you usually register?

Railways Police have registered around 2,900 cases in 2022. The majority of these were registered on charges of encroachment on railway lands. Theft of railway material and other such offences were also among the major crimes this year. We have 49 police stations across the country with 98 police pickets. Our strength should have been 7,000 but we are short of 3,000 personnel at the moment.