Several passengers were injured in an attack on the train by gunmen on Tuesday in Pakistan’s disturbed Balochistan, after which the provincial government directed the officials to take “emergency steps”.
According to officials, Jaffer Express was going from Quetta to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Peshawar in nine coaches, when he was firing between Gudra and Piru Konari areas.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed that it took the train derailed and controlled it, killed six security personnel and detained more than 100 passengers, including active duty personnel. However, his claim did not confirm an independent confirmation. In a statement, BLA warned that if the Pakistani Army runs a campaign, all the hostages will be killed “. The group is banned in Pakistan, Britain and America.
Official information about the number of casualties is not available, but security sources said that the train driver and several passengers were injured in the shootout. Balochistan government spokesman Shahid Rind said, “There are reports of fierce firing between Pehro Kunri and Gadalar on the Jafar Express going from Quetta to Peshawar.” The rescue teams and security forces have reached the spot and a campaign is being carried out to catch the attackers. Emergency has been declared in local hospitals. Security sources said the campaign will continue till the end of the last terrorist.
Railway officials have confirmed that the driver of the train has suffered serious injuries and an emergency relief train has been sent for assistance. Railway Controller Muhammad Kashif said that there were about 500 passengers in this nine coaches. The controller said, “The train was stopped by armed people in tunnel number 8.” There are 17 tunnels in this area on the railway line and the speed of the train is often slow due to difficult terrain. The Government of Balochistan directed local authorities to take “emergency measures”.
A statement by the provincial government said that Emergency has been imposed in Sibi Hospital and ambulances and security forces are reaching the spot. Internal Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the incident and said: “Animals firing at innocent travelers are not entitled to any concession.” In the past, railway tracks in the region have been attacked using rockets or remote-controlled bombs by Baloch terrorists, and the BLA has taken responsibility for most attacks.
In October last year, Pakistan Railways announced the restoration of train services between Quetta and Peshawar after suspension of more than one and a half months. In the last one year, there has been an increase in terrorist attacks in Balochistan. In November 2024, at least 26 people were killed and 62 injured in a suicide blast at Quetta railway station. Balochistan, bordering the border of Iran and Afghanistan, is home to a long -running violent rebellion. Baloch rebel groups often attack security personnel, government projects and US $ 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects in the rich province.