Jaffar Express targeted in IED attack; five coaches derailed near Spezand
Railway officials declare all passengers safe: Minister Abbasi vows resilience after blast on track
An explosive device planted on the railway tracks near Spezand Station in Balochistan derailed five coaches of the Quetta-to-Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express, 24NewsHD reported on Sunday.
According to Pakistan Railways officials, the blast occurred as train number 39UP was passing the area. Rescue teams from railway and security agencies rushed to the site and began relief operations immediately.
Authorities confirmed that all passengers remained safe, but as a precaution, the train will be brought back to Quetta due to security concerns. Train operations from Quetta will resume only after a full security clearance.
Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi strongly condemned the incident, calling it a “cowardly act of terrorism” that would not weaken the nation’s resolve.
An explosion on the railway tracks near Spezand in Balochistan derailed five coaches of the Quetta-to-Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Sunday.
The Pakistan Railways officials confirmed that the blast occurred as the passenger train was passing through the area, causing multiple coaches to leave the tracks.
The Jaffar Express, which covers a 1,632-kilometre route between Quetta and Peshawar in about 34 hours with roughly 40 stops, has previously been targeted in violent incidents.
Notably, in March 2025, the train was hijacked by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) near the Bolan Pass in a brazen attack involving explosives and gunfire.
That incident saw around 400 passengers taken hostage, prompting a large-scale rescue operation by security forces.
Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi stated that the attack on Jaffar Express was a well-planned act and part of a foreign conspiracy.
Abbasi emphasised that if authorities had prior intelligence about the attack, preventive measures would have been taken.
He reiterated that Pakistan continues to face terrorism, and all global powers, including China, the US, and Pakistan, stand united against terrorism.
The minister confirmed that all passengers have been rescued from the train, while efforts are underway to evacuate more.
While the cause of today’s blast is yet to be officially confirmed, the attack has raised fresh concerns about the security of railway routes in Balochistan’s remote and volatile regions.
Reporter: Essa Tareen