A powerful explosion derailed six coaches of Pakistan’s Jaffar Express near Jacobabad on June 18, 2025
A Shocking Morning: Explosion Derails Jaffar Express
In the early hours of June 18, 2025, the calm of Jacobabad was shattered by a thunderous explosion that struck the railway tracks beneath the Jaffar Express, a passenger train en route from Quetta to Peshawar. The blast, which occurred near a remote section of track, caused six coaches to derail, sending shockwaves through Pakistan’s already fragile transportation infrastructure.
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Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as passengers scrambled to safety amid clouds of dust and twisted metal. Fortunately, no fatalities or serious injuries were reported, though one railway employee sustained minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital.
The Pakistan Railways Authority immediately suspended services along the affected route, citing safety concerns and the need for a full investigation. Bomb disposal squads and security forces were deployed to the site, where they began combing the area for additional explosives and evidence of sabotage.
Echoes of Insurgency: A Pattern of Targeted Attacks
While no group has officially claimed responsibility, suspicion quickly turned toward the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant organization with a history of targeting critical infrastructure. The BLA was previously linked to the March 2025 hijacking of the same Jaffar Express, during which 250 passengers were held hostage in a deadly standoff that left 64 people dead.
Security analysts believe the latest attack may be part of a broader campaign to destabilize the region and undermine public confidence in the government’s ability to protect national assets. The railway line targeted in the blast is a vital link between southern and central Pakistan, making it a strategic target for insurgents seeking maximum disruption.
The Ministry of Interior condemned the attack as an act of terrorism and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. “This was not just an attack on a train, it was an attack on Pakistan’s unity and progress,” said a senior official during a press briefing.
National Response: Security Tightened, Services Suspended
In the aftermath of the explosion, railway services across Balochistan were suspended, and security was heightened at major stations including Quetta, Sukkur, and Multan. Surveillance drones and sniffer dogs were deployed to inspect tracks, while additional patrols were assigned to vulnerable stretches of railway.
The National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) has been tasked with coordinating intelligence efforts to prevent further attacks. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Railways announced plans to upgrade security protocols, including the installation of CCTV cameras, reinforced track inspections, and enhanced passenger screening.
Public reaction has been a mix of fear and frustration. Many commuters expressed concern over the frequency of such incidents and the apparent ease with which militants can access and sabotage critical infrastructure. “We travel in fear,” said one passenger at the Quetta station. “Every journey feels like a gamble.”
Despite the disruption, officials have assured the public that services will resume once the tracks are cleared and deemed safe. Engineers are currently working to repair the damaged section, with full restoration expected within the next 48 hours.
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