ISLAMABAD: 27 March 2025 – Train services in Balochistan have been restored following a 16-day hiatus due to a terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express. The train departed from Peshawar Cantt Railway Station, marking a significant return to operation. But same day, Quetta was rocked by a blast taking 3 lives while again the passengers had to face the death in Gwadar region between Ormara and Pasni where the terrorists fired at Karachi bound bus killing 5.
Federal Minister Amir Muqam was present to bid farewell to the passengers, offering prayers for their safe journey. The Jaffar Express is carrying 280 passengers, including 28 who are traveling directly from Peshawar to Quetta.It is scheduled to complete its 34-hour journey, arriving in Quetta by 5 PM the following day.
The train has been adorned with the national flag, vibrant banners, and balloons, highlighting its significance. It will travel through Punjab and Sindh before entering Balochistan, making it the only train that connects all four provinces.
At the time of the train’s departure, Minister Amir Muqam stated to the media that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif wished for the resumption of the Jaffar Express service to Quetta, and now the train has officially set off from Peshawar.
Moreover, the railway authorities in Quetta decided to send passenger coaches and locomotives damaged in the attack to Lahore for repair.
To accommodate passengers during Eid, a special train will leave Quetta on March 29, and a 20% discount will be offered on tickets for Eid days.
Additionally, Bolan Express, which previously ran twice a week, will now operate daily to enhance railway connectivity in the province. The number of passenger trains in Balochistan is also being increased from three to nine to improve travel facilities.
6 Punjabis including 3 from Gujarat only were gunned down, and one other was injured after being offloaded from a Karachi-bound bus on the Coastal Highway in Gwadar.
The Deputy Commissioner Gwadar also confirmed that the incident occurred at the Kalmat area of the Coastal Highway where gunmen opened fire on passengers.The victims who came under the attack were traveling from Gwadar to Karachi when the attack took place.
According to sources, the militants set up a blockade on the highway, identified non-local passengers, and carried out the brutal attack. Two passenger buses were also set on fire, and a search operation was also conducted in the area.
This incident is the latest in a series of attacks in Balochistan, where militants have targeted security forces, foreigners, and non-locals. The region has seen a surge in violence in recent weeks, with several incidents of armed attacks and road blockades reported.
Tanveer Asghar of Chhani Chowk, Gujarat who was killed by terrorists
The names and cities of the passengers killed in Balochistan.
A powerful explosion struck Quetta’s Double Road, killing at least 3 people and injuring 21 others, including security personnel, shopkeepers, and bystanders. A doctor of cancer , Dr Mehrullah Tareen is also among the dead in blast.
The blast targeted a police van on routine patrol, severely injuring officers inside the vehicle.
According to Police Surgeon Dr Ayesha Faiz, three people lost their lives in the attack, while multiple injured individuals remain in critical condition. Dr Abdul Hadi, the Medical Superintendent (MS) of Sandeman Hospital, confirmed that four victims are in critical condition.
Dr Arbab Kamran, the Managing Director of the Trauma Centre, said that emergency medical aid is being provided to all the injured.
Following the explosion, authorities declared an emergency at Sandeman Hospital, summoning all doctors and medical staff on an urgent basis. The area has been cordoned off, and security forces have launched an investigation into the attack.
Balochistan has witnessed a surge in terrorist attacks in recent months, with security forces frequently being targeted.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister strongly condemned the blast and expressed deep sorrow and regret over the loss of precious lives in the terrorist attack.
A sharp increase in terror attacks in January 2025, surging by 42% compared to the previous month, according to data released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), a think tank.
The data revealed that at least 74 militant attacks were recorded nationwide, resulting in 91 fatalities, including 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants. Another 117 individuals sustained injuries, including 53 security forces personnel, 54 civilians, and 10 militants.
KP remained the worst-affected province, followed by Balochistan. In KP’s settled districts, militants carried out 27 attacks, resulting in 19 fatalities, including 11 security personnel, six civilians, and two militants.
