ISLAMABAD: Unknown armed individuals detonated a remote-controlledexplosive device on the main railway track near Dera Murad Jamali inBalochistan’s Nasirabad district on Monday, temporarily suspending trainservices connecting Quetta with the rest of Pakistan. Police officialsconfirmed that approximately three kilograms of explosives were used in theblast, which ripped apart a two-foot-long section of the track. Theincident occurred in a region long plagued by security challenges,prompting immediate response from law enforcement agencies who cordoned offthe area and launched an investigation. No casualties were reported fromthe explosion, which disrupted passenger and freight movement for severalhours until repair teams restored the line.
The attack highlights the persistent vulnerability of Pakistan’s railwaynetwork in Balochistan, where such sabotage acts have become recurrent.Authorities revealed that the device was planted strategically along themain line and triggered remotely, indicating premeditated intent tomaximize disruption without direct confrontation. Railway operationsbetween Quetta and major cities including Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar werehalted briefly, affecting thousands of daily commuters who rely on serviceslike the Jaffar Express for inter-provincial travel. Repair crews fromPakistan Railways worked swiftly to mend the damaged portion, allowingpartial resumption of services by the afternoon.
This latest incident fits into a broader pattern of targeted attacks onrailway infrastructure in the province over the past year. In recentmonths, similar blasts have damaged tracks in areas like Notal and Mastung,often timed to coincide with train schedules but frequently resulting in noor minimal casualties when detonation occurs after passage. Securityanalysts note that these operations aim to undermine economic connectivityand challenge state authority in resource-rich Balochistan. The use ofremote-controlled improvised explosive devices underscores evolving tacticsby unidentified groups operating in the region.
Balochistan’s railway lines serve as vital lifelines for transportinggoods, coal and passengers across rugged terrain to the rest of thecountry. Disruptions like this one exacerbate logistical challenges forbusinesses dependent on timely rail shipments and strain an alreadyoverburdened road network. Pakistan Railways has repeatedly enhancedsecurity measures, including increased patrolling and coordination withlocal law enforcement, yet incidents persist amid ongoing low-intensityconflict. Officials emphasized that swift repairs minimized long-termimpact, but the frequency raises questions about long-term sustainabilityof safe rail travel.
Investigators are examining potential links to banned militant outfitsactive in Balochistan, though no group has claimed responsibility forMonday’s blast at the time of reporting. Police sources indicated thatforensic analysis of the blast site is underway to trace the origin of theexplosives and identify any surveillance footage or witness accounts. TheNasirabad district, encompassing Dera Murad Jamali, has witnessedheightened militant activity targeting symbols of state infrastructure,including railways, highways and energy projects. Such acts are ofteninterpreted as efforts to highlight grievances over resource distributionand political marginalization.
The suspension of services underscores the broader security environment insouthwestern Pakistan, where multiple agencies collaborate to safeguardcritical assets. In response to recurring threats, authorities havebolstered intelligence-sharing mechanisms and deployed additional forcesalong vulnerable stretches. Despite these efforts, the remote and expansivegeography poses significant challenges for comprehensive coverage. Railwayofficials reported that alternative routing or road transport was arrangedfor stranded passengers during the interruption period.
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This event occurs against the backdrop of intensified militant operationsacross Balochistan in recent years, including ambushes on passenger trainsand derailments that have caused injuries and fatalities in past cases. TheJaffar Express, a key service linking Quetta to northern provinces, hasbeen particularly affected, facing multiple attempts since early 2025.While Monday’s blast caused only material damage, it serves as a reminderof the fragile security situation impacting civilian life and economicactivity in the province.
Efforts to restore normalcy continued throughout the day, with PakistanRailways announcing full operational resumption after thorough safetychecks. Local administration urged residents to report suspiciousactivities, reinforcing community involvement in countering such threats.The incident has drawn attention from provincial and federal authorities,who are reviewing enhanced protective protocols for railway corridors.
Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1962917
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