LAHORE: Pakistan Railways (PR) announced on Sunday that train services from Quetta will restart once security officials give the all-clear.

A PR spokesperson said that, for now, passengers will still be transported back to Quetta using alternate arrangements. Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi condemned the incident, saying, “Terrorists’ cowardly acts cannot weaken our resolve.”

Earlier in the day, an improvised explosive device (IED) went off on the track near Spezand Station in Quetta, derailing five coaches of the 39-Up Jaffar Express heading to Peshawar. Rescue teams from PR and security forces quickly reached the scene, and thankfully, all passengers were safe. One passenger sustained minor injuries.

The blast happened as the Jaffar Express was passing through the area. Due to the security situation, the Railways Minister announced that train operations in parts of Balochistan will be suspended for several days.

The Peshawar-to-Quetta Jaffar Express will be suspended from August 10 to 13, while the Quetta-to-Peshawar service will be suspended from August 11 to 14. The Karachi-to-Quetta Bolan Mail will not operate from August 10 to 15.

Abbasi said services will resume only after security clearance is granted.

This isn’t the first such incident. On March 11, the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express carrying 440 passengers was attacked, and several people were taken hostage. A two-day security operation was launched to free the captives and neutralize the threat.

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