A powerful explosion hit the Quetta-bound Jaffar Express near Sultankot, close to the Sindh-Balochistan border, on Tuesday. The blast came from an improvised explosive device (IED) planted on the railway track. The explosion derailed six coaches of the train and left several passengers injured.
The Baloch rebel group, Baloch Republican Guards (BRG), claimed responsibility. In a statement, the group said they targeted the train because Pakistani Army personnel were on board. The rebels warned that such attacks would continue until Balochistan gains independence.
Rescue teams and security forces quickly reached the site and began relief operations. Images circulating on social media showed injured passengers, though authorities have not confirmed any deaths so far.
This marks the latest in a series of attacks on the Jaffar Express this year. On March 11, gunmen hijacked the train in Bolan, killing 21 passengers and four security personnel. More attacks followed in June, July, August, and September, involving derailments, bombings, and gunfire. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and other groups have also claimed earlier assaults.
The Jaffar Express, which connects Quetta and Peshawar, has now become one of the most frequent targets of Baloch separatist groups.
