Independent Report
Quetta, Jan 08:
Balochistan has witnessed a disturbing surge in railway-related attacks over the past one and a half years, with at least 27 incidents reported across the province and adjoining areas, raising serious concerns about passenger safety and railway security. Trains, stations, bridges, and tracks have repeatedly been targeted, with the Jaffar Express emerging as the most frequent victim.
In 2024 alone, five major attacks were recorded. On August 14, three bomb blasts near Quetta Railway Station killed one railway employee and injured seven others. Another deadly incident occurred on November 9 when a suicide attack on the Jaffar Express claimed 26 lives, including two railway personnel, and injured 62 passengers. In December, a railway bridge near Sibi was destroyed in an explosion.
The situation worsened in 2025 with 20 reported attacks, including bombings, rocket fire, derailments, and the hijacking of the Jaffar Express in Bolan Pass, where 26 people were killed and over 450 passengers were held hostage. Attacks continued into early 2026 in Naseerabad. Security experts have called for urgent reinforcement of railway protection measures.
