The Federal Government Inspector of Railway (FGIR), working under the administrative control of the Ministry of Railway Government of Pakistan,deals with matters pertaining to safety of Railway and train operation. FGIR is charged with certain statutory functions as laid down in the Railways Act (1989), which are of an inspectorial, investigatory & advisory nature.

The Directorate functions according to certain rules viz. Statutory investigation into accidents rules framed under the Railways Act and executive instructions issued from time to time. FGIR conducts annual and general Inspections of Railway to see that Railway infrastructure is safe for operation, All safety procedures are being followed, Train operating rules are strictly observed, Officers and staff are competent and well conversant with infrastructure maintenance, operation manuals etc.

It is also observed whether all the parameters are conforming to Schedule of Standard Dimensions and there is no breach/deviation. The most important duties of the Directorate is to ensure that any new Railway line to be opened for passenger traffic should conform to the standards and specifications prescribed by the Ministry of Railways and that the new line is safe in all respects for carrying of passenger traffic.

This is also applicable to other Railway works such as gauge conversion, doubling of lines and electrification of existing lines etc. Directorate also conducts statutory inquiries into serious train accidents occurring on the Pakistan Railways and makes recommendations for improving safety on the Railways in Pakistan.