Train services in Balochistan, suspended temporarily due to security concerns
Federal Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi announced that train operations in Balochistan will be temporarily suspended due to security concerns.
The Peshawar-to-Quetta Jaffar Express will remain suspended from August 10 to 13, while the Quetta-to-Peshawar service will be halted from August 11 to 14. The Karachi-to-Quetta Bolan Mail will also be suspended from August 10 to 15. Train services will resume only after security clearance is obtained.
The decision follows a derailment incident earlier in the day, when an explosion near Spezand in Quetta damaged five coaches of the Jaffar Express, injuring one passenger. A relief train was dispatched from Quetta station.
The Jaffar Express has faced security incidents before, including a March 11 attack that resulted in passengers being taken hostage, prompting a two-day rescue operation. Services were restored on March 27 after a 16-day suspension.
Minister Abbasi condemned the “cowardly acts” of militants, stressing that such attacks will not deter the government’s resolve to ensure safe railway travel.
