In Pakistan's southeastern Sindh province, an explosion caused three coaches of the Jafar Express heading to Quetta to derail, injuring one individual. This attack again raises serious concerns about the safety of Pakistan's rail network.
The superintendent of the Sukkur Railway Division, Jamshed Alam, explained that the Jafar Express was traversing from Peshawar to Quetta when an explosion on the tracks near Sultanpur, Shikarpur, derailed three of its coaches. As a result, train services were immediately suspended. Upon receiving news of the incident, rescue teams were dispatched from Sukkur for urgent repairs.
'Track Restoration May Take Up to 5 Hours'
Alam noted that train operations were halted post-explosion, causing significant difficulties for passengers. Railway authorities indicate that due to inclement weather, track restoration could take up to five hours.
'Sindh Administration Orders Investigation'
Furthermore, the Sindh administration has ordered an immediate investigation to uncover the explosion's nature and those responsible. This isn't the first such targeting of the Jafar Express.
No group has claimed responsibility for this attack. However, considering past assaults on the Jafar Express, suspicions lean toward Baloch involvement.
Previous Attacks on Jafar Express
Previously in June 2025, four coaches of the Jafar Express derailed due to a remote-controlled explosive device near Jacobabad's cattle market. No casualties occurred back then. However, Baloch Republican Guards issued a statement claiming the attack responsibility.
Additionally, on March 11, 2025, the Jafar Express was hijacked in Balochistan's Bolan district. BLA fighters fired upon the engine, holding over 400 passengers hostage. After a military operation lasting 30 hours, the Pakistani army eliminated 33 attackers and rescued 346 passengers, though 26 passengers and four soldiers lost their lives. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed this attack.
