Train services from Quetta to other regions of the country have been halted following a terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express.
According to railway authorities, no trains will operate from Quetta today until further notice due to security concerns.
It is important to note that yesterday, the Jaffar Express, travelling from Quetta to Peshawar, was attacked by militants, and 500 passengers were taken hostage.
As of now, 27 terrorists have been killed in the clearance operation, and 155 passengers have been rescued.
The train, which departed Quetta at 9:30 AM, came under fire from unknown armed individuals as it passed through the Gadalar and Piro Kanri areas. The train’s driver was severely injured in the attack and later succumbed to his wounds.
Security sources report that the operation against the terrorists is ongoing, with suicide bombers using women and children as human shields. These bombers have taken women and children hostage at three different locations.
Due to the presence of women and children with the suicide bombers, the operation is being carried out with extreme caution.
Leaders condemn assault on train passengers
The leadership of the country, including President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on Tuesday strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express in Balochistan and appreciated the security forces for their effective and timely response.
The president lauded the valour of security forces for rescuing the passengers of Jaffar Express and said that attacks on innocent civilians and passengers were inhuman and condemnable acts. The president said neither any religion nor a society allowed such repugnant acts.
Prime Minister Shehbaz, according to a separate press release issued from the Prime Minister’s Office Media Wing, said that security forces officers and personnel were eliminating terrorists bravely during the ongoing response.
“Despite a difficult terrain, the morale of the security forces is high and they are pushing back the coward terrorists with their timely action,” Shehbaz said.
