All train services suspended in Balochistan amid terrorist attack

Following the recent hijacking of the Jaffar Express by terrorists, Pakistan Railways has temporarily suspended all train services from Punjab and Sindh to Balochistan due to the volatile security situation in the region.

Pakistan Railways Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Amir Ali Baloch stated that both passenger and freight train operations to Balochistan will remain suspended until security agencies declare the area safe.

He emphasised that resumption of services depends on the restoration of normalcy in the province.

Amir Ali Baloch further mentioned that authorities are closely coordinating with security agencies; however, details of the on-ground situation cannot be disclosed publicly at this stage. 

Read: Social media flooded with misleading videos on Jaffar Express attack

In response to the attack, a special train was dispatched from Sibi to transport security forces personnel to the site of the Jaffar Express incident, as per railway officials.

Meanwhile, Railway Deputy Station Manager Lahore, Muhammad Asif, confirmed that the Jaffar Express will now depart from Lahore at 5:30 pm and stop at Rohri/Sukkur, but will no longer continue to Quetta.

Additionally, due to low passenger bookings, Pakistan Railways has canceled two trains including Shah Latif Express and Pak Business Train. Passengers with reservations on these services will be accommodated on Karakoram and Karachi Express.

Check: Jaffer Express carrying hundreds of passengers attacked in Balochistan

On Tuesday, terrorists attacked the Jaffar Express, which was carrying over 400 passengers from Quetta to Peshawar. The assailants took both civilians and military personnel hostage.

Security forces launched an immediate rescue operation, successfully freeing 155 passengers. In the intense exchange of fire, 26 terrorists were killed, while several others sustained injuries.

The attack occurred at Dhadar near Bolan, where the terrorists halted the train inside a tunnel. The train driver was also injured in the assault.

Despite the challenging terrain and the remoteness of the area, security forces swiftly surrounded the site and launched a clearance operation. According to sources, most of the hostages were women and children.

Authorities continue to assess the situation, and railway operations will resume only after security conditions improve.