A powerful IED explosion near Spezand Railway Station in Balochistan derailed five coaches of the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express, the Quetta-to-Peshawar train service. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, and all passengers emerged unharmed.(The Express Tribune, 24 News HD, SUCH TV)
Rescue and railway teams were immediately dispatched to the scene. Passengers are being moved to Quetta via a relief train, while security forces secure the area and bomb disposal units conduct thorough inspections.(The Express Tribune, SUCH TV)
Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi condemned the attack, labeling it a “cowardly act of terrorism” that will not deter the nation’s spirit. He vowed continued strength and vigilance in the face of repeated threats.(SUCH TV, Business Recorder)
This incident marks yet another attack on the embattled Jaffar Express. Earlier in June 2025, a similar explosion near Jacobabad also resulted in derailment of several coaches—again with no casualties.(The Times of India, Wikipedia) And in March 2025, the train was hijacked by militants in a tragic attack that claimed lives and highlighted vulnerabilities along this critical railway link.(Wikipedia, Reuters)
** Why this matters:**
- The Jaffar Express has become a repeated target, raising serious concerns about rail security across Balochistan, a region already grappling with insurgency and unrest.
- Frequent attacks on this route underscore the urgent need for enhanced infrastructure protection and intelligence-driven prevention measures.
- Ensuring safe transport links is vital for public confidence and connectivity between Quetta, Peshawar, and beyond.
For more in-depth reporting on the incident, visit:
- The Express Tribune – credible, local coverage.(The Express Tribune)
- Dunya News – on-the-ground insights into the derailment.(Dunya News)
- Arab News – international perspective on the attack.(Arab News)
