All train services from Quetta to other parts of the country have been suspended indefinitely following a terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express, railway authorities confirmed.
No trains will operate from Quetta today due to heightened security concerns, with officials awaiting further directives before resuming operations.
Jaffar Express Attack: Latest Developments
The Jaffar Express, en route from Quetta to Peshawar, was ambushed by militants on Monday, leading to the hostage-taking of 500 passengers. Security forces launched an operation, successfully rescuing 155 hostages so far and eliminating 27 terrorists.
The train, which departed Quetta at 9:30 AM, came under attack in the Gadalar and Piro Kanri areas. Armed assailants opened fire, critically injuring the train’s driver, who later succumbed to his wounds.
Security sources report that the operation against the militants is ongoing, with suicide bombers using women and children as human shields across three different locations. Due to the presence of civilians, security forces are proceeding with extreme caution.
Nation’s Leadership Condemns Attack
Top government officials, including President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, have strongly condemned the attack.
President Zardari praised the courage of security forces in rescuing passengers and denounced the assault on innocent civilians as an inhumane and reprehensible act. He emphasized that no religion or society permits such violence.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, commended security personnel for their bravery in combating the terrorists and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating such threats.
The situation remains fluid as security forces continue operations in the affected region.
