Jaffar Express resumes; ‘foreign elements’ blamed for attack

QUETTA: The Jaffar Express resumed operations on Thursday after a 17-day suspension, departing from Peshawar Cantonment Railway Station to Quetta under heavy security. 

According to officials, the train, which had been targeted in a terrorist attack, left Peshawar carrying 430 passengers.

PML-N MNA Jamal Shah Kakar was present at the Quetta railway station to welcome the train, as stringent security arrangements were put in place. 

Speaking on the occasion, Kakar said security on railway tracks had been reinforced, adding that the federal government had also restored the Bolan Mail for daily operations.

He expressed confidence that the security situation in Balochistan would improve soon. 

“Foreign elements” attacked Jaffar Express

Meanwhile, provincial ministers and the Balochistan government’s spokesperson strongly condemned the recent surge in terrorist attacks in the province. 

Addressing a press conference, government spokesperson Shahid Rind claimed that “foreign elements” were behind the Jaffar Express attack. “We will go after those involved in terrorism,” he said, adding that negotiations had always been on the table, but distinguishing between terrorists and others was crucial. 

Rind also disclosed that a rare in-camera session on law and order had been held for the first time in the province’s history, with all assembly members being taken into confidence. He stressed that governance issues contributed to Balochistan’s problems and reiterated that the provincial assembly was the most significant platform for dialogue. 

Anti-state campaigns to be tackled with iron hand

Provincial Minister Zahoor Buledi also condemned the attack, calling it an attempt to derail the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). “Passengers were held hostage and brutally murdered,” he said. “Balochistan is witnessing the senseless killing of innocent people.” 

Minister Shoaib Nosherwani vowed a decisive response, stating, “Terrorists will be dealt with unconventionally. Foreign elements are supporting these militants.” 

Six killed, 20 injured in Balochistan bus crash

Separately, six people were killed and 20 others injured when two passenger buses collided in the Qalat district of Balochistan. 

According to Radio Pakistan, Levies officials said the accident occurred when a bus traveling from Quetta to Karachi collided with another coming from the opposite direction. 

The deceased and injured were shifted to Qalat Hospital for treatment.