Jaffar Express resumes operations 16 days after ghastly terror attack
Pakistan
Minister Amir Muqam says PM, COAS determined to ensure security in Pakistan
Train will cover 34-hour journey to reach Quetta by Friday evening
It is the only train that passes through all four provinces of country
Jaffar Express was attacked by terrorists on March 11, which led to suspension of service
PESHAWAR (Dunya News) – The Jaffar Express, which was targeted in a terrorist attack near Bolan in Balochistan, is back on track after a hiatus of 16 days.
The passenger train on Thursday departed from Peshawar Cantonment Railway Station, where federal minister Amir Muqam and railways officials saw the travellers off.
The Jaffar Express will pass through Punjab, Sindh, and then enter Balochistan, covering a 34-hour journey to reach Quetta by Friday evening. As many as 280 passengers have made reservations for the journey, with 28 passengers leaving from Peshawar.
It is the only train that passes through all the four provinces of the country.
The Jaffar Express was attacked by terrorists on March 11, which led to the suspension of the train service. Security forces had killed all the 33 terrorists in the operation while 26 passengers lost their lives in the attack. Some reports claimed higher casualty toll.
Speaking at the train departure ceremony, Muqam stated that it was a desire of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to restore the Jaffar Express service to Quetta, and now the train had commenced its journey from Peshawar.
He said PM Shehbaz and Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir were determined to ensure the security of the country. The nefarious designs of terrorists would be foiled, he added.
Also Read: National Assembly passes resolution condemning attack on Jaffar Express
Amir Muqam also highlighted the determination of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the fight against terrorism, stating that the battle against the scourge of terrorism would continue until its elimination. Terrorism was a national issue, he said, and everyone must unite to defeat it.
The federal minister criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), stating the opposition party’s movements were not aimed at the development of the country and province but to seize control of Islamabad. He remarked there was no consistency in the PTI’s policies.
Muqam said the repatriation of Afghan refugees was unavoidable and it would be implemented with caution.
JAFFAR EXPRESS TRAGEDY
On March 11, the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) blew up train tracks and held up more than 440 passengers near a remote mountain pass in the Bolan district.
After a day-long standoff, security forces killed 33 attackers and rescued the remaining passengers. Terrorists had martyred 26 people before the launch of the operation. Four security personnel embraced martyrdom during the operation.
Addressing a press conference on March 14, Inter-Services Public Relations Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry called India the main sponsor of terrorism in Balochistan. He added that the attack on Jaffar Express was a part of the same policy.
He also criticised the Indian media for using old social media footage to delude people. He said there was a “nexus” which wanted to legitimise the terrorist narrative and their actions.
He further disclosed that the terrorists operated in groups and remained in contact with handlers in Afghanistan during the attack.
