Discipline, enforcement of laws emphasized at Railways seminar

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Discipline, with strict enforcement of rules and regulations, was emphasized at a one-day seminar on safety in train operation, organized at Divisional Head Office of the Pakistan Railways, Karachi Division, on August 12.

Speaking as chief guest on the occasion, Anzar Ismail Rizvi, a highly respected officer of the Pakistan Railways, who retired from service a few years ago, stressed that most responsibility devolves upon the railway officials to play their pivotal role in ensuring safe journey for railway passengers and this objective can be achieved only be achieved with strict enforcement of rules and regulations. 

He emphasized upon the greater need for regular inspection of railway installations, tracks and related systems. 

This, he observed, would help avoid derailments and other accidents. He particularly called for surprise inspections. 

In order to bring improvement in present day conditions, Anzar Rizvi urged for better staff training, enhanced professional expertise and changes in the current technology curriculum. 

He described safety as combination of discipline and rule of law because, he stated, an indiscipline system or human resource would ensure unsafe train operation.

"All the officers have a collective responsibility of carrying out the safest train operation. Their every action, either direct or indirect, affects the safety of train operation,” he remarked.

The way forward described by the guest speaker primarily included imparting knowledge as well as skills among the human resource, reviewing the role of railways' Walton academy and redesigning the curriculum as per the modern standards.

He informally interacted with the officers at the conclusion and shared his enriching experience of three serving decades at the Pakistan Railways.

Anzar Rizvi had retired from service as Senior Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Railways and held important positions like Chief Operating Superintendent, COPS, and Divisional Superintendent, Karachi.

The seminar was also participated by Joint Director Traffic and Coordination from Walton Academy Lahore, Shahid Hussain, and attended by all the officers and relevant officials from Karachi Division.