Breaking: Powerful blast hits train, passengers injured as coaches derail
Babushahi Bureau
Quetta (Pakistan), October 7, 2025: A powerful bomb attack targeted the Jaffar Express in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province, causing five coaches to derail and leaving several passengers injured. The explosion occurred near Sultan Kot, prompting widespread panic and the temporary suspension of railway services in the area.
Eyewitnesses reported that the blast, believed to be caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) planted on the tracks, was followed by gunfire. The train, en route from Peshawar to Quetta, was passing near the Sindh-Balochistan border when the incident took place.
Rescue teams quickly arrived at the scene, providing medical assistance and transferring the injured to nearby hospitals. Security forces cordoned off the area and launched an investigation. The Baloch separatist group, Baloch Republican Guards, claimed responsibility, stating that the attack targeted Pakistani army personnel traveling on the train.
Repeated Attacks on Jaffar Express
This is not the first time the Jaffar Express has been attacked:
- August 2025: An IED blast in Mastung district derailed six coaches, injuring numerous passengers.
- March 2025: The Baloch Liberation Army hijacked the train near Bolan Pass, detonating explosives on the tracks. The resulting firefight with security forces left several dead, with over 400 passengers on board at the time.
Why Balochistan Remains Volatile
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but least developed province, has witnessed decades of separatist insurgency. Rebel groups frequently target security personnel, government infrastructure, and transport routes. The repeated attacks on Jaffar Express highlight ongoing security challenges and raise serious concerns about passenger safety in the region.