Jaffar Express Resumes Operation After Hijack

Days after the horrific hijack of the Jaffar Express by Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) militants, the train resumed operations from Peshawar Cantt Railway Station to Quetta under tight security on Thursday. The move comes after a deadly ambush in Balochistan’s Bolan district on March 11, where militants killed 21 passengers and four soldiers before Pakistani forces neutralized all 33 attackers the following day.

Federal Minister Amir Maqam flagged off the train, offering prayers for the passengers at the Peshawar Cantonment Railway Station. Security personnel have been deployed along the entire route to prevent further incidents.

A total of 280 passengers are on board, including 28 traveling directly to Quetta. The train’s return journey, decorated with national flags, balloons, and banners symbolizing resilience, is scheduled for Friday. Railway officials highlighted that the Jaffar Express is the only train that traverses all four provinces, making it a crucial mode of transport.

The attack on the Jaffar Express led to the suspension of train services from Quetta. However, officials confirmed that services between Quetta and other parts of Pakistan will be fully restored by Friday, including the return of the Jaffar Express to Peshawar and the Bolan Mail’s resumed operations to Karachi.

Addressing the media, Minister Maqam reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fighting terrorism. “Terrorists’ plans will not succeed. The Prime Minister and Army Chief are dedicated to national security, and those attempting to disrupt peace in Balochistan have failed,” he stated.

However, Maqam criticized the provincial leadership, accusing them of inaction and focusing only on political gains. He alleged that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has neglected governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for 12 years, prioritizing its own political agenda over security and development. He also took a jab at PTI for allegedly misusing the Ramadan relief package.

The resumption of Jaffar Express marks a crucial step in restoring normalcy, but the government remains on high alert to prevent further militant attacks. Railway authorities have assured passengers that enhanced security measures will remain in place for all future journeys.