By ABDULLAH According to railway sources, the blast occurred around 10:20 AM between Sultan Kot and Jacobabad, a section known for its vulnerability in past incidents. The Peshawar-bound train was en route to Quetta when the explosion caused a loud bang, shaking the entire region and derailing Jaffer Express three bogies.
Emergency teams were immediately dispatched from Sukkur and nearby stations. Officials began assessing track damage, evacuating passengers, and initiating track restoration efforts, expected to take several hours.
Thankfully, no casualties were reported, although one passenger suffered minor injuries. However, the blast caused major disruption in train operations, leaving many passengers stranded under harsh conditions.
There is conflicting information regarding the cause of the incident:
- Pakistan Railways initially stated it appeared to be a technical fault, dismissing sabotage claims.
- However, a banned militant outfit reportedly claimed responsibility, labeling the explosion a planned attack.
- Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah condemned the incident as “an act of terrorism against the state,” and ordered a high-level inquiry into the matter.
This is not the first time the Jaffer Express has faced attacks:
- Just last month, a similar blast derailed five bogies near Jacobabad.
- On March 11, 2025, Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) militants attacked the Jaffer Express in Bolan, holding over 440 passengers hostage. The military later rescued the hostages after a deadly standoff, resulting in 26 civilian and 4 security personnel martyrs, along with 33 militants killed.
These incidents highlight a disturbing pattern of recurring sabotage on Pakistan’s railway lines, especially targeting the Jaffer Express route.
CM Murad Ali Shah visited the incident site virtually through emergency briefings and demanded:
- Immediate medical aid for the injured
- A thorough investigation
- Accountability for those responsible
The Divisional Superintendent of Railways Sukkur, Jamshaid Alam, also assured the public that teams were working round the clock to restore operations.
The Jaffer Express derailment near Jacobabad raises serious concerns about the security of Pakistan’s railway infrastructure, especially in volatile regions. While investigations are ongoing, the incident has once again brought to light the vulnerabilities in transport safety and the urgent need for enhanced surveillance and intelligence coordination.