Six coaches of the Jaffar Express derailed on Sunday following an explosion on a railway track in the Dasht district of Balochistan. The passenger train, traveling from Quetta to Rawalpindi, encountered the blast mid-journey, causing significant disruption to its schedule and damaging a portion of the track.
Passenger Safety and Evacuation
Authorities confirmed that all passengers aboard the affected coaches were evacuated safely, with no casualties or injuries reported. Swift action from the train crew, local security personnel, and rescue teams ensured that the situation remained under control despite the scale of the derailment.
Immediate Response
Following the explosion, security forces quickly reached the site, cordoning off the area to secure the passengers and begin an initial investigation. Emergency repair teams were dispatched to assess the extent of track damage and initiate restoration work to resume train services in the area.
Pattern of Attacks on Jaffar Express
This latest incident marks the third attempted attack on the Jaffar Express in just over a week.
- August 7, 2025: A blast occurred near Sibi railway station, moments after the train had passed, causing no damage.
- August 4, 2025: An armed attack targeted the train near Kolpur as it traveled from Quetta to Peshawar. The pilot engine sustained five bullet strikes, but the crew escaped unhurt.
In both earlier incidents, quick detection and rapid security intervention prevented harm to passengers or major damage to the train.
Responsibility and Background
Security officials have linked previous attacks to the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group accused of receiving external support. The BLA has openly claimed responsibility for earlier incidents, citing political motives behind its operations.
The Jaffar Express has unfortunately been a recurrent target of such assaults. Historical data indicates:
- March 2025: A deadly attack resulted in 26 passenger fatalities.
- July 2025: A blast in Jacobabad derailed four coaches, but all passengers survived without injury.
These repeated security breaches have heightened concerns about passenger safety, railway infrastructure protection, and the stability of transportation routes across Balochistan.
Security Measures Moving Forward
In response to this persistent threat, railway authorities are expected to enhance patrols, improve surveillance along high-risk routes, and increase coordination with law enforcement agencies. Special security protocols may be introduced for trains traveling through conflict-prone regions, including the deployment of escort units and the use of monitoring drones.
The derailment of six coaches on the Jaffar Express due to a track blast in Balochistan is another reminder of the ongoing security challenges facing Pakistan’s railway network. While prompt action prevented loss of life in this case, the recurring nature of such attacks underscores the urgent need for reinforced safety measures and stronger intelligence operations to safeguard both passengers and critical transport infrastructure.
