Jaffar Express Resumes Operations After Terrorist Attack Suspension
Jaffar Express resumes operations after a terrorist attack halted services. Pakistan Railways enhances security with drone surveillance and CCTV installations.
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi has announced that Jaffar Express will resume operations from today after being temporarily suspended due to a terrorist attack. The announcement was made on Tuesday, as reported by Radio Pakistan.
Last week, Pakistan Railways (PR) suspended all train services between Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan after terrorists targeted the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express, carrying 440 passengers. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack, leading to a large-scale security operation.
The attack occurred last Tuesday when BLA militants ambushed the train, opened fire, and took hostages. In response, security forces launched a two-day counter-operation, which concluded on Wednesday evening. Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed that 33 terrorists were killed in the operation. He also stated that 26 hostages, including 18 security personnel, lost their lives, while five additional security personnel were martyred in the rescue mission. However, he clarified that no hostages were harmed in the final phase of the operation.
Enhanced Security for Train Operations
Speaking to reporters outside the Parliament House in Islamabad, Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi assured that new security measures are being implemented to protect train passengers. He announced that drone surveillance will be introduced for train operations in Balochistan and that CCTV cameras are being installed at railway stations and other sensitive locations nationwide.
He further stated that the railway track damaged in the attack has been fully restored, ensuring Jaffar Express can now operate safely.
Financial Compensation for Victims’ Families
To support the victims’ families, the railways minister announced a compensation package of Rs5.2 million per victim. Additionally, jobs will be provided to the children of the deceased in the railway ministry to help them recover from the tragedy.
Action Against Anti-State Campaigns
In a separate development, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested a suspect involved in an anti-state campaign on social media regarding the Jaffar Express attack. The suspect was taken into custody from Banigala, Islamabad, and was later presented before a judge, who granted a three-day physical remand for further investigation.
With Jaffar Express resuming operations, heightened security measures, and compensation for victims’ families, authorities aim to restore public confidence in railway travel and prevent future attacks on vital transportation infrastructure.
