A Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express carrying nearly 500 passengers came under intense gunfire near Bolan district, Balochistan, as armed militants ambushed the train inside Tunnel No. 8. Reports indicate that an explosion was heard near the tunnel before militants opened fire, leading to a tense exchange with security forces in the rugged, mountainous terrain. The attack left the train stranded, forcing authorities to mobilize emergency rescue teams despite difficulties in reaching the site due to the rough landscape. The Balochistan government swiftly declared an emergency at Sibi Hospital, deploying ambulances and medical personnel to handle potential casualties, while security was tightened on the N-65 Highway to prevent further escalation. The railway department also sent additional trains for rescue operations.
This latest assault underscores the deteriorating security situation in Balochistan, where terrorist activities have surged alarmingly over the past year. A report by the Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) revealed that militant attacks in 2024 had reached levels reminiscent of the security crisis a decade ago, with Baloch insurgent groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) orchestrating a staggering 119% increase in assaults across the province. These groups have targeted security forces, public infrastructure, and transportation systems, fueling instability and fear in an already volatile region. In November last year, a suicide blast at Quetta Railway Station claimed at least 26 lives and injured 62 people, further emphasizing the vulnerability of transport networks to terrorist violence.
The attack on Jaffar Express was met with strong condemnation from political leaders, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi denouncing it as a “heinous crime” against innocent civilians, vowing strict action against those responsible. Former President Arif Alvi echoed similar sentiments, urging a unified national approach to counter terrorism and restore order in Balochistan. Meanwhile, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar reaffirmed his province’s solidarity with Balochistan, pledging support in combating insurgency and ensuring security.
The increasing frequency of such attacks raises critical concerns about the safety of Pakistan’s railways, particularly in conflict-ridden regions, necessitating immediate and comprehensive measures to secure transportation routes, strengthen intelligence operations, and address the root causes of the insurgency. As security forces continue their efforts to stabilize the situation, the attack on Jaffar Express serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by militant groups, demanding urgent and decisive action from authorities to prevent further bloodshed and protect civilians from such brazen acts of terror.
