Jaffar Express Escapes IED Attack in Nasirabad

NASIRABAD – The Jaffar Express narrowly escaped another bombing attempt on Sunday after an explosive device planted along its route detonated moments after the train passed through Balochistan’s Nasirabad district. Police and railway officials confirmed that no passengers or staff were injured in the Jaffar Express IED attack in Nasirabad, though the blast damaged a section of the track and forced a temporary suspension of services.

Attack on Railway Track

Officials said the device was planted on the track in the Shaheed Abdul Aziz Bullo area. The Peshawar-bound train, travelling from Quetta, crossed the section before the explosion. Nasirabad Senior Superintendent of Police Ghulam Sarwar reported that armed men also fired four rockets at the train from a distance, but none struck the coaches.

Railway authorities confirmed that the damaged track halted services between Quetta and the rest of the country. The Jaffar Express continued its journey after reaching Jacobabad in Sindh. Services had only resumed earlier that day following a four-day suspension due to heightened security concerns.

Claim of Responsibility

According to Baloch nationalist leader Mir Yar Baloch, the Baloch Republican Guards (BRG) claimed responsibility for the Jaffar Express IED attack in Nasirabad. In a statement, the group said its fighters had planted the device and carried out a remote-controlled explosion. While the BRG alleged casualties and severe damage, officials maintained that no injuries were reported.

The BRG has repeatedly targeted rail infrastructure in Baluchistan, framing such attacks as part of its campaign against the state. Analysts note that the group’s claims often exaggerate casualties, contrasting with official reports that emphasize minimal damage and swift restoration of services.

Series of Attacks in 2025

The Jaffar Express has faced repeated militant attacks this year, making it one of Pakistan’s most frequently targeted passenger trains.

• On March 11, militants from the Baluchistan Liberation Army ambushed the train carrying 440 passengers, prompting a two-day clearance operation in which 33 attackers were killed.
• On June 18, a remote-controlled device derailed four bogies near Jacobabad, an incident claimed by the BRG.
• On August 7, another bomb detonated near Sibi moments after the train passed.
• On August 10, a blast in Mastung derailed six bogies.
• On September 23, four passengers were injured when another explosion derailed six bogies near Spezand.
• On October 7, seven people were injured in Shikarpur after a blast hit the track beneath the train.
• On October 29, armed men fired rockets at the train in Nasirabad’s Notal area, but none struck the coaches.

Security Challenges

The Jaffar Express IED attack in Nasirabad highlights the persistent threats to Pakistan’s railway network. Despite repeated clearance operations and heightened security, militants continue to target passenger trains, raising concerns over the safety of critical transport infrastructure.

Security experts argue that railways are a symbolic and practical target for insurgents: disrupting services undermines public confidence, isolates communities, and strains national resources. The repeated targeting of the Jaffar Express also reflects militants’ intent to strike high-profile routes that connect Balochistan with major urban centers like Quetta, Jacobabad, and Peshawar.

Authorities have pledged to strengthen surveillance, deploy additional security personnel, and improve coordination between police and railway officials. However, the frequency of attacks suggests that securing long-distance rail services in volatile regions remains a formidable challenge.

Historical Significance of Jaffar Express

Launched in the 20th century, the Jaffar Express is one of Pakistan’s most important passenger trains, linking Quetta with Peshawar and serving thousands of commuters daily. Its repeated targeting by militant groups has turned it into a symbol of resilience but also of vulnerability in Pakistan’s transport system.

The Jaffar Express IED attack in Nasirabad adds to a troubling pattern that threatens not only passenger safety but also the broader connectivity of Pakistan’s railway network. For many residents of Balochistan, the train remains a lifeline, making its protection a matter of national importance.