In the wake of the recent hijacking of the Jaffar Express by terrorists, Pakistan Railways has temporarily suspended all train services from Punjab and Sindh to Balochistan, citing security concerns.
Pakistan Railways Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Amir Ali Baloch announced that both passenger and freight operations to Balochistan would remain halted until security agencies deem the area safe. He stressed that services would only resume once normalcy is restored.
Authorities are actively coordinating with security agencies, but details regarding the on-ground situation remain classified.
Security Response & Train Schedule Adjustments
Following the attack, a special train was dispatched from Sibi to transport security forces to the site of the Jaffar Express incident. Railway Deputy Station Manager Lahore, Muhammad Asif, confirmed that the Jaffar Express will now operate from Lahore at 5:30 PM but will terminate at Rohri/Sukkur instead of Quetta.
In light of decreased passenger demand, Pakistan Railways has also canceled two trains: Shah Latif Express and Pak Business Train. Passengers holding reservations on these trains will be accommodated on the Karakoram and Karachi Express.
Details of the Attack
The hijacking took place on Tuesday when terrorists targeted the Jaffar Express, which was carrying over 400 passengers from Quetta to Peshawar. The attackers took both civilians and military personnel hostage, prompting an immediate response from security forces.
A swift rescue operation successfully freed 155 passengers, while 26 terrorists were killed in a fierce exchange of gunfire. Several attackers sustained injuries.
The attack occurred near Dhadar in the Bolan district, where the assailants forced the train to stop inside a tunnel. The train driver was injured in the assault. Despite the rugged terrain and the remoteness of the area, security forces quickly surrounded the site and launched a clearance operation. Reports indicate that many hostages were women and children.
Authorities continue to assess the security situation, and train services to Balochistan will remain suspended until further notice.
