A bomb blast on a railway track derailed six bogies of the Jaffar Express in Balochistan’s Mastung district. The incident occurred near Spezand station in Dasht tehsil when the train was travelling from Quetta to Peshawar City with 350 passengers on board.
The explosion caused a loud blast, but no fatalities or injuries were reported. According to Pakistan Railways officials, additional damage was avoided because security personnel and rescue teams responded promptly.
Quick Rescue & Passenger Safety Measures
Soon after the explosion, security personnel surrounded the area and began a search. Rescue personnel acted quickly to protect the people, and a relief train transported all 350 passengers back to Quetta.
The bogies stranded on the track will also be brought back to the city. Pakistan Railways has promised full ticket refunds to all passengers affected by the blast.
ALSO READ: Asim Munir Trolled for Calling Pakistan a ‘Dump Truck’ and India…
Restoration Efforts Underway
Four derailed bogies were placed back on the track within hours, and work is going on to restore the remaining two. Officials said efforts are being made to reopen the route at the earliest.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Railways has suspended the Jaffar Express and Bolan Mail services until August 14. Bolan Mail will resume operations on August 16, departing from Karachi in its usual schedule and reaching Quetta the next day.
Second Incident in Three Days
This bombing comes just three days after another dangerous situation involving the Quetta-bound Jaffar Express. In that example, a bomb planted along the railway track in Sibi exploded moments after the train passed, narrowly avoiding disaster.
The repeated targeting of passenger trains has heightened concerns over security in Balochistan’s railway network.
Security Concerns & Growing Threats
The increasing threat to Pakistan’s railway network is brought to light by the Mastung bombing. Two bomb related events occurred on the same train within three days, suggesting a pattern.
Long railroad sections are easier for insurgents to plant bombs along surreptitiously. The attackers in Mastung were familiar with the terrain and patrol procedures since they were able to attach a bomb directly to the track.
ALSO READ: From Tampa To The Indus: Pakistan’s Army Chief Hints At Nuclear Showdown Over India Dam Plan
Such attacks impede travel and undermine public trust in train safety. Experts support stronger track patrols, advanced detection systems, and enhanced intelligence sharing between Pakistan Railways and security forces.
