Quetta, Pakistan – The Jaffar Express, a vital passenger train connecting Quetta to Punjab, has once again fallen victim to a deadly attack, underscoring the growing security threats to Pakistan’s railway infrastructure. The latest incident, occurring on Tuesday, adds to a disturbing pattern of violence targeting the train, which has frequently been attacked by militant groups such as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The Jaffar Express has long been a preferred mode of transport for military personnel traveling between Quetta and Punjab. This has made it a prime target for insurgent groups aiming to destabilize the region and challenge the state’s authority. The train has endured multiple attacks over the years, with perpetrators using explosive devices and other means to disrupt travel and instill fear among passengers.
A Troubled History of Violence
In the autumn of 2018, the Jaffar Express narrowly escaped disaster when Baloch rebels detonated two remote-controlled explosive devices. Fortunately, the train was about 200 feet away from the blast site at the time, preventing a major catastrophe.
However, such good fortune has not always accompanied the train’s journey. In 2023, the Jaffar Express was attacked twice within two months at the same location, highlighting a troubling lack of security improvements. The first attack, on January 19, left at least 13 people injured after a bomb blast derailed the train in Bolan district, approximately 150 kilometers from Quetta. About a month later, another explosion on the train’s route from Quetta to Peshawar killed at least one passenger and injured a dozen others, further intensifying security concerns.
The situation took a particularly grim turn in November 2023, when an explosion at Quetta railway station killed at least 26 people and injured over 40 others, including women and children. This deadly incident reinforced fears that Pakistan’s railway system remains highly vulnerable to terrorist activities.
Government and Security Response
Following the repeated assaults on the Jaffar Express, Pakistani authorities have pledged to strengthen security measures along railway routes, particularly in high-risk areas. However, the frequency of these attacks suggests that current measures have been inadequate in preventing insurgents from executing their plans.
Baloch insurgents, who claim to be fighting for greater autonomy and control over natural resources, have intensified their attacks on Pakistani security forces and state infrastructure in recent years. Similarly, the TTP has been responsible for numerous acts of terrorism across the country, further complicating the security landscape.
Railway officials have called for enhanced surveillance, including the deployment of additional security personnel and advanced monitoring systems. There have also been discussions on increasing intelligence-sharing among law enforcement agencies to preempt attacks before they occur.
Impact on Public Confidence
The persistent threat to Pakistan’s railway system has left passengers increasingly wary of traveling by train, particularly on routes passing through volatile regions. Families of those affected by previous attacks continue to demand justice and better protection from the government.
As Pakistan grapples with ongoing security challenges, the question remains: How long before robust countermeasures are put in place to ensure the safety of passengers? Until significant steps are taken, the Jaffar Express and other vital transportation networks will continue to be at risk, leaving passengers vulnerable to the horrors of terrorism.
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