Weeks After Hijack, Pakistan's Jaffar Express Resumes Operation Under Tight Security

Islamabad: Weeks after the hijack of Jaffar Express by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) rebels, the train has now resumed operations and departed from Peshawar Cantt Railway Station for Quetta, Pakistan on Thursday, under tight security.

Amir Maqam, Federal Minister of Pakistan, saw off the passengers and offered prayers at Peshawar Cantt Railway Station in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Jaffar Express Resumes Operation

As many as 280 passengers onboarded the train, including 28 travelling from Peshawar to Quetta. Jaffar Express all decorated with the Pakistani national flag, and balloons is scheduled for the return journey on Friday.

Two weeks ago the BLA rebels ambushed the Jaffar Express in Bolan district of Balochistanon March 11. The rebels killed 21 passengers and four army personnel before they eliminated all 33 rebels on March 12.

Also Read: Baloch Rebels Say Jaffar Express Standoff Far From Over

The Jaffar Express is expected to reach Quetta on Friday at 5 PM, after a 34-hour journey. Railway officials have said that the train is the only train that passes through all four provinces and provides service to fellow passengers.

Other Train Services to be Operational 

The railway official, Maqam said that the train services from Quetta to the rest of the Pakistan will also be restored on Friday, with the Jaffar Express set to return to Peshawar and Bolan Mail resuming its journey to Karachi. Train services from Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, had been suspended since the March 11 attack.

At Peshawar Cantonment Railway Station, Maqam told the local media that terrorists' plans will not succeed and those trying to hinder Balochistan's development have failed, and both the Prime Minister and Army Chief are committed to national security.

Maqam added that restarting the Jaffar Express was a positive step, but the provincial leadership did not participate in this initiative. He criticized those in power in the province for the past 12 years, claiming they are only focused on conquering Islamabad.

(with agency inputs)