Rail Services to Balochistan Resume After Three-Day Suspension Following Quetta Blast

By Bilal Haider :

Pakistan Railways has restored train operations to and from Balochistan after a three-day suspension, resuming services under the regular timetable as authorities seek to normalise transport links disrupted by security concerns.

Railway officials confirmed on Saturday that the Jaffar Express departed from Quetta for Peshawar according to schedule, marking the formal restoration of rail connectivity between the province and other parts of the country.

Officials said the return service from Peshawar to Quetta would also operate as planned, ending a disruption that had affected passengers and freight movement across the railway network.

Train services across parts of Balochistan had remained suspended in the aftermath of a deadly explosion near a railway track in Quetta last month. Railway authorities cited operational and security considerations as reasons for temporarily halting services.

During the suspension period, the Jaffar Express service from Quetta was cancelled, while a train travelling from Peshawar towards Quetta was turned back from Jacobabad. Operations of the Bolan Mail and the Chaman passenger train were also suspended.

The disruption extended beyond Balochistan, with several trains departing from Karachi experiencing significant delays. Passengers faced long waiting times as services struggled to maintain schedules, prompting protests at Karachi Cantonment Railway Station.

Among the affected services was the Tezgam, which departed several hours behind schedule, while the Sukkur Express also experienced delays.

The suspension followed a bomb attack near Chaman Phatak in Quetta on May 24, one of the deadliest incidents targeting railway infrastructure in the province in recent months.

According to provincial authorities, at least 14 people were killed in the explosion, including three personnel of the Frontier Corps, while several others sustained injuries. Women and children were among those wounded and were taken to hospitals for treatment.

The attack renewed concerns over security in Balochistan, where authorities have faced persistent threats from militant groups targeting transportation networks, security forces and public infrastructure.

The restoration of railway operations is expected to provide relief to thousands of passengers who rely on train services for travel between Balochistan and other provinces. Rail links are particularly important for students, workers, traders and families travelling over long distances at relatively affordable costs.

Pakistan Railways has in recent years attempted to improve services on key routes connecting Quetta with Karachi, Peshawar and Lahore, viewing rail transport as a critical component of national connectivity and economic activity.

Meanwhile, security officials have pledged continued action against militant networks operating in the province.

During a recent visit to Zhob, Asim Munir said terrorist attacks would not undermine the country’s resolve or affect efforts to maintain security.

According to the military’s media wing, the army chief told troops deployed along Pakistan’s western frontier that security forces, in coordination with law-enforcement agencies, would continue operations against those involved in acts of terrorism.

Authorities have not announced any changes to the railway timetable following the resumption of services, and officials say train operations across Balochistan will continue under existing schedules while security measures remain in place.

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