Preparing for war? Pakistan hands over railway stations to Army; soldier desks set up

Islamabad: Pakistan has stepped up its military readiness, with all railway stations across the country now placed under the control of the armed forces. Federal Minister of Railways Hanif Abbasi announced today that the Pakistan Army has taken charge of all stations to ensure swift transportation of military equipment if required.

Abbasi stated that special "soldier desks" have been set up at every station and confirmed that all logistics under Pakistan Railways are now fully available to the armed forces.

“Our logistics are now at the disposal of the Pakistan armed forces. Now, they can use Pakistan Railways to transport tanks, heavy weapons and any other artillery that they may want to move, through the railways," he said.

“All of our officers in Pakistan Railways, all stations and every facility is now ready to work with our armed forces whenever and however needed," he added.

Expressing his views on the ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India after the Pahalgam attack; Abbasi warned of dire consequences if Pakistan's water is blocked or any other misadventure is attempted.

“Our ballistic missiles are pointed towards India and are ready. Therefore, I caution India to not even think about crossing Pakistan’s territorial borders," he threatened.

The latest action adds on to Islamabad’s measures to secure its borders on ground, water and air against any aggressive response from India after the Pahalgam attack.

Pakistan’s security forces have been put on high alert after the Pahalgam attack incident and retaliatory measures taken by both sides. India claims that the Pahalgam attack is a result of Pakistan supported cross-border terrorism, an allegation Islamabad rejects.

Pakistan has taken special notice of India’s announcement to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and has stated that any attempt to block Pakistan’s water will be considered as an "act of war", and will be responded to with full force.

Tuesday's brutal assault, which resulted in the death of 26 innocent tourists and left several others critically injured, unfolded in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, when four heavily armed terrorists emerged from the surrounding dense forests and opened indiscriminate fire on tourists. The attack has been described as one of the most horrific in the region in recent memory. IANS