Jaffar Express Resumes Operations after Terrorist Attack

Jaffar Express Resumes Operations after Terrorist Attack as the train departed from Peshawar.

After a 16-day suspension due to a deadly terrorist attack near Bolan, Balochistan, the Jaffar Express has resumed its operations. The passenger train departed from Peshawar Cantt Railway Station, with Federal Minister Amir Muqam and senior railway officials attending the departure ceremony.

As Pakistan’s only train that crosses all four provinces, the Jaffar Express will pass through Punjab and Sindh before reaching Quetta on Friday evening, completing its 34-hour journey. A total of 280 passengers have booked tickets for the journey, including 28 departing from Peshawar.

The train service was halted after a terrorist attack on March 11, which led to an extensive security operation. While security forces eliminated all 33 attackers, the incident resulted in the tragic deaths of 26 passengers.

During the departure ceremony, Minister Muqam emphasized that restoring the Jaffar Express was a top priority for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reaffirming the government’s dedication to national security. He also stressed that both PM Shehbaz and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir are determined to eliminate terrorism. Muqam praised the resilience of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s people in combating extremism and called for national unity in the fight against terrorism.

Additionally, Muqam criticized the opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), accusing it of attempting to destabilize the country rather than contributing to its progress. He also reiterated the need for Afghan refugee repatriation, stating that the process would be managed in line with the prevailing situation.

Details of the Jaffar Express Attack

On March 11, terrorists affiliated with the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) targeted the Jaffar Express by blowing up railway tracks and taking over 440 passengers hostage in a remote area near Bolan. Security forces launched a counter-operation, successfully eliminating 33 terrorists and rescuing the hostages. However, before the operation commenced, the militants had already executed 26 passengers. The attack also resulted in the martyrdom of four security personnel.

During a press conference on March 14, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry accused India of orchestrating the attack in Balochistan as part of its broader regional destabilization efforts. He also condemned Indian media for spreading false information and highlighted the involvement of handlers based in Afghanistan.

The revival of the Jaffar Express serves as a testament to Pakistan’s resilience against terrorism and its commitment to maintaining national connectivity despite ongoing security threats.