Jaffar Express resumes operations after terrorist attack

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Railways, Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, announced that the Jaffar Express will resume operations today, according to state-run Radio Pakistan.

The train service had been suspended last week after a terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express, which forced Pakistan Railways (PR) to halt all operations from Punjab and Sindh to Balochistan and vice versa.

The attack occurred on Tuesday afternoon when terrorists from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) ambushed the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express, which was carrying 440 passengers. The terrorists opened fire and took hostages. In response, security forces launched a two-day operation to rescue the hostages and neutralize the attackers.

On Wednesday evening, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that the operation had ended, with 33 terrorists killed. Unfortunately, 26 hostages, including 18 security personnel, lost their lives, although no hostages were harmed during the final phase of the rescue operation. Five additional security personnel were martyred during the operation.

During a press conference outside the Parliament House in Islamabad, Abbasi said that drone surveillance would be introduced for train operations in Balochistan. He also mentioned that the railway track, which had been damaged in the attack, has been fully restored.

Furthermore, CCTV cameras are being installed at railway stations and other sensitive locations across the country to enhance security.

On Saturday, Abbasi had announced a compensation package of Rs5.2 million for the families of the victims, along with jobs for their children in the Ministry of Railways.