Services resume in phases after tracks were damaged during coordinated terrorist assaults
QUETTA:
Train services from Quetta have begun to resume operations after they were suspended following a series of security incidents in Balochistan, railway officials said on Thursday.
According to Pakistan Railways, operations that had been halted for the past five days are being restored, bringing relief to stranded passengers.
The suspension had come after a series of coordinated attacks at multiple locations in Balochistan over the weekend. On Tuesday, state media reported that Pakistan’s security forces have killed a total of 197 terrorists belonging to the banned ‘Fitna al-Hindustan’ militant group in continuing counterterrorism operations in Balochistan. 22 security personnel have been martyred in these operations.
On Sunday, the provincial government also issued a notification announcing the imposition of Section 144 for one month, citing heightened security concerns, the recent attacks and the overall law-and-order situation.
Security sources said that on January 31, during the multiple militant attacks across the province, on January 31, railway tracks were damaged, prompting authorities to suspend all train services from Quetta to other parts of Balochistan and the country as a precaution.
Services affected included the Jaffar Express (Quetta–Peshawar), Bolan Mail (Quetta–Karachi) and the Chaman Passenger train. The Jaffar Express travelling from Peshawar was stopped at Jacobabad, while passengers were refunded their ticket fares.
Read: Trains, mobile internet shut across Balochistan for fifth day after attacks
Following an improvement in the security situation, the railway administration announced the phased restoration of services. The Chaman passenger train has departed Quetta according to its regular schedule, and the Jaffar Express to Peshawar has also resumed operations.
Passengers have welcomed the move, describing the route as a vital overland link for Balochistan with the rest of the country.
Railway officials said the Bolan Mail service between Karachi and Quetta has not yet fully resumed, but is expected to restart in the coming days once track repairs and security clearances are completed.
The resumption of services comes amid ongoing security operations by forces in the province, which authorities say have helped stabilise the situation. Passengers said the suspension of train services had caused serious difficulties and effectively cut off Balochistan from other provinces.
Pakistan Railways said enhanced security arrangements have been put in place to prevent any untoward incidents, and advised passengers to confirm train schedules before travelling.
Quetta Railway Junction is a key hub linking Balochistan with other parts of Pakistan, and officials said the restoration of services is of national importance.
Read more: In rare unity, MPs close ranks against Balochistan terror
Meanwhile, mobile phone data and internet services remain suspended across most districts of Balochistan. Officials stated that this measure was taken due to security concerns and to prevent possible communication between terrorist organizations.
The internet shutdown has prevented students from attending online classes, deprived businesspersons of online transactions, and created difficulties for journalists in field reporting and information transmission.
