The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the Ministry of Railways are joining forces to tackle fraudulent ticketing and bolster security within the railway system. NADRA Chairman, Lt Gen Muhammad Munir Afzar, met with Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi to discuss integrating NADRA’s Pak App with the Pakistan Railways application.

This integration will allow passengers to purchase and validate tickets using their CNICs, effectively eliminating counterfeit tickets and enhancing security. Minister Abbasi lauded the initiative, stating it would be advantageous for both Pakistan Railways and the nation.

The meeting also included discussions on implementing a pension verification system to ensure payments reach only legitimate pensioners, preventing fraudulent claims and minimizing financial losses. Railway authorities updated the minister on the digitization progress made in the last six months.

These advancements include revitalizing the Directorate of IT, modernizing the 117 Call Center to meet global benchmarks, and launching a Freight Management System to control overloading. POS and ATM installations at railway stations, along with the implementation of AI-powered “Safe and Smart Railway Stations” are also underway to improve security and passenger well-being.

Development is progressing on the Railways Advanced Infrastructure Network (RAIN) project, which will install fiber optics across 1,700 kilometers of track. Chairman NADRA commended the digitization progress and expressed strong interest in further collaboration with Pakistan Railways.