Pakistan Railways will resume train operations to and from Balochistan today after a three-day suspension caused by security concerns and operational disruptions. The decision brings relief to thousands of passengers who faced cancellations, delays, and uncertainty in recent days.
Railway officials confirmed that services will restart under the existing timetable. The restoration of train operations is expected to improve connectivity between Balochistan and other parts of the country while easing travel difficulties faced by passengers.
The announcement comes days after a deadly explosion near a railway track in Quetta raised serious security concerns and forced authorities to halt several key rail services.
Jaffar Express and Other Key Routes Return to Schedule
According to railway authorities, the Jaffar Express will depart from Quetta to Peshawar today at its scheduled time. The return service from Peshawar to Quetta will also operate as planned, marking the full resumption of one of the country’s most important railway routes.
Officials said train services had remained suspended due to unavoidable circumstances linked to the recent security situation. On Friday, the Jaffar Express was unable to depart from Quetta, while the return service from Peshawar was stopped and sent back from Jacobabad.
Other major rail services were also affected. Operations of the Bolan Mail and Chaman passenger trains were temporarily suspended. The disruption impacted passenger movement across several regions and created logistical challenges for railway authorities.
The restoration of services is expected to reduce travel pressure and help normalize railway operations after days of interruptions.
Passengers Face Delays as Railway Network Recovers
The suspension of services in Balochistan also caused delays on several routes originating from Karachi. Many passengers experienced long waiting periods at railway stations.
One of the most affected trains was the Tezgam Express. The train departed at 1:30am instead of its scheduled departure time of 5:30pm. The lengthy delay triggered protests from passengers at Karachi Cantt Station, where travelers demanded better communication and timely updates.
The Sukkur Express also faced significant disruption. Railway police reported that the train, scheduled to depart at 11:30pm, had not left by Friday morning.
The delays highlighted the broader impact of security-related disruptions on the national railway network. Officials are now working to restore normal operations and improve service reliability.
Security Concerns Remain Following Quetta Attack
The suspension of train services followed a deadly explosion near the railway track close to Chaman Phatak in Quetta on May 24. According to government officials, at least 14 people lost their lives in the blast, including three Frontier Corps personnel.
Several others sustained injuries, including women and children. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. The incident sparked renewed concerns about the safety of transportation infrastructure in the province.
Following the attack, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir reaffirmed the country’s commitment to combating terrorism. During a visit to frontline troops in Zhob District, Balochistan, he stated that such attacks would not weaken the resolve of the nation or its security forces.
Military officials emphasized that operations against terrorist networks would continue. They also stressed close coordination between security agencies, law enforcement authorities, and local communities to maintain stability and prevent future attacks.
With railway services now resuming, authorities aim to restore public confidence while ensuring stronger security measures across key transportation routes in Balochistan.
