Train operations from Quetta halted until further notice

QUETTA: Rail services from Quetta to several destinations across the country have been suspended, railway officials said on Saturday, citing unavoidable reasons for the disruption.

The suspension affected the Jaffar Express scheduled to leave Quetta for Peshawar, which could not depart. Officials also said the incoming Jaffar Express bound for Quetta was turned back from Jacobabad.

Railway authorities further confirmed that the Bolan Mail service operating from Quetta to Karachi had already been stopped. In addition, train operations between Quetta and Chaman are currently suspended.

The latest disruption adds to a pattern of repeated interruptions to rail traffic in Balochistan over the past two years. According to the officials, train services in the province have frequently been halted because of terrorist attacks on railway infrastructure, security-related operations and sabotage of tracks in remote areas connecting Quetta with the rest of the country.

Multiple routes affected

The suspension has impacted both outbound and inbound services linked to Quetta. The Jaffar Express, one of the key rail links between Balochistan and other parts of Pakistan, was among the trains directly affected by the latest decision. The incoming service did not complete its journey to Quetta and was instead redirected from Jacobabad.

Officials also said the Bolan Mail from Quetta to Karachi was already not operating, while the Quetta-Chaman route remains closed as well. No further operational details were provided beyond the statement that the suspension was due to unavoidable reasons.

Recurring disruptions in Balochistan

Rail connectivity in Balochistan has remained vulnerable in recent years. Railway officials said services in the province have faced repeated suspensions during the last two years. They linked these interruptions to militant attacks on railway installations, security operations and acts of sabotage targeting rail tracks in far-flung areas that connect Quetta to the national rail network.

The latest suspension means passengers travelling from Quetta to Peshawar, Karachi and Chaman are among those affected by the halt in operations.

No timeline was given for the restoration of services on the affected routes.