Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi announced on Sunday that train operations in Balochistan have been suspended temporarily due to deteriorating security conditions in the region.
According to the minister, the Peshawar to Quetta Jaffar Express service will be suspended from August 10 to 13, while the Quetta to Peshawar Jaffar Express will remain suspended from August 11 to 14.
In addition, operations of the Karachi to Quetta Bolan Mail have also been suspended from August 10 to 15, Abbasi confirmed.
“Train services from Quetta will only resume once security clearance is granted,” he stated.
“Cowardly acts of terrorism cannot shake our resolve.”
The suspension comes after an explosion near Spezand, Quetta, earlier on Sunday caused the derailment of the Jaffar Express, injuring at least one passenger, according to officials. The blast occurred as the train was passing through the area, damaging five coaches. A relief train was immediately dispatched from Quetta to assist with recovery efforts.
This incident adds to growing concerns over railway security in Balochistan. On March 11, the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express, carrying 440 passengers, was attacked by militants, and several individuals were taken hostage. A two-day security operation was required to rescue the captives and neutralize the threat.
Following that attack, the Jaffar Express remained suspended for 16 days before resuming operations on March 27. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a banned militant group, had claimed responsibility for that incident.