ISLAMABAD (PEN) : After a suspension of 17 days due to a terrorist attack, the Jaffar Express has resumed its journey from Quetta to Peshawar. The train, which is a crucial link between Balochistan and other parts of Pakistan, left Quetta on Friday with over 400 passengers aboard, marking the complete restoration of train services in the region.
Strict Security Measures in Place
The departure of the Jaffar Express was attended by Member of the National Assembly Jamal Shah and other railway officials. Passengers were subjected to thorough security checks at the Quetta railway station before boarding. The train, consisting of 10 carriages, is now equipped with enhanced security arrangements both at the station and throughout the journey to ensure passenger safety.
Railway authorities reported that the suspension of train services over the past weeks had resulted in a significant financial loss of Rs 9 million.
Incident Leading to Suspension
The Jaffar Express had been suspended following a terrorist attack on March 11, when the train was targeted near a remote mountain pass in the Bolan district. The attack, carried out by the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), led to the detonation of train tracks and a standoff that lasted for over 24 hours. More than 440 passengers were held up by the attackers, and tragically, 26 lives were lost during the attack before security forces intervened.
The rescue operation, which resulted in the death of all 33 attackers, was carried out by security forces. Four security personnel also lost their lives in the operation.
Attack Details and Security Response
The attack on the Jaffar Express occurred when terrorists, after blowing up the tracks, held the train hostage. Reports suggested that the terrorists were in contact with handlers based in Afghanistan during the assault. Following the operation, Pakistan’s military officials, including Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, condemned the attack and accused India of being the primary sponsor of terrorism in Balochistan.
The general also criticized Indian media for propagating misleading narratives using outdated footage. He stressed that the attack was part of a broader pattern of destabilizing efforts aimed at the region.
Jaffar Express: A Key Link Between Provinces
The Jaffar Express is a vital train service that connects all four provinces of Pakistan, making it an important transportation route for both passengers and goods. After the resumption of services, the train completed its 34-hour journey from Peshawar to Quetta before returning to Peshawar, further reinstating its role as a lifeline for inter-provincial connectivity.
While security concerns have heightened following the attack, railway officials and law enforcement agencies are working together to ensure that train services continue without further interruptions. The government’s focus remains on enhancing security measures to safeguard public transport against future threats.
As the country moves forward, the restoration of the Jaffar Express service marks a hopeful return to normalcy, despite the challenges posed by the attack.
