Jaafar Express train was bombed in Mastung district of Balochistan. Six coaches derailed and four people were injured. Security forces cordoned off the area and services were suspended until August 14.
Pakistan: Once again, the Jaafar Express train has been targeted in the Mastung district of Pakistan's Balochistan province. An explosion caused by an explosive device planted on the railway track resulted in the derailment of six coaches of the train. Four passengers were injured in the incident. The incident occurred when the train was en route to Peshawar. A sense of fear and chaos prevailed among the passengers after the accident.
Blast near Quetta
According to Pakistan Railways officials, the incident took place near the Spezand railway station, approximately 25 kilometers from Quetta. At around 9 am on Sunday, the train departed from Quetta for Peshawar with 350 passengers. During the journey, a powerful explosion occurred from a bomb planted on the track, causing six coaches of the train to derail.
Statement from Officials
Muhammad Kashif, Public Relations Officer of Pakistan Railways' Quetta Division, stated that railway personnel and rescue teams were dispatched to the scene immediately after the explosion. All the injured sustained minor injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital for first aid. He said, "Thankfully, no lives were lost in this attack. Our team promptly initiated relief efforts and safely evacuated the passengers."
Rescue Operation and Relief Train
Following the blast, rescue teams evacuated the stranded passengers from the train. An accident relief train was dispatched from Quetta, carrying a medical team and repair personnel. Engineering teams were deployed to repair the railway track and clear debris from the tracks.
Security Forces' Action
Security forces and police cordoned off the entire area after the attack. A bomb disposal squad was deployed to the scene to search for and neutralize any other explosives present on the track. Initial investigations suggest that the attack was pre-planned.
Impact on Train Services
Following this attack, the services of Jaafar Express and Bolan Mail have been suspended until August 14. Officials state that the Bolan Mail's operations will resume on August 16. During these days, the railway track will be repaired and safety inspections will be completed.
Recent Attacks on Jaafar Express
The Jaafar Express has been the target of several attacks in recent months.
August 7: The train narrowly escaped an attack near the Sibi railway station in Balochistan. A bomb planted near the track exploded as the train passed.
August 4: Armed attackers fired at the engine near Kolpur. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for this attack.
June 2025: In Jacobabad, a remote-controlled explosive device caused four coaches of the Jaafar Express to derail.
Role of Baloch Liberation Army
The Baloch Liberation Army is a separatist organization that carries out attacks on government and security installations in Balochistan. This organization is conducting an armed movement against the Pakistani government and has targeted the railway on several occasions. According to railway officials, the Jaafar Express is targeted because it is a major passenger train passing through Balochistan.
