Pakistan Railways has temporarily suspended all train operations from Quetta for four days due to security concerns. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pakistan Railways, Ameer Ali Baloch, confirmed the decision on Sunday.
Baloch explained that the suspension of train operations was a precautionary step to ensure the safety of passengers in light of recent security incidents. “Train operations from Quetta will resume as soon as clearance is received from the relevant authorities,” he said.
Collaboration with Local Authorities
Baloch praised the cooperation between the provincial government of Balochistan and security agencies, which had previously helped restore and maintain railway connectivity in the region. He stressed that this collaborative effort had been key in ensuring safer travel routes despite the challenges posed by security threats.
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Despite the temporary halt in services, Baloch reassured the public that this setback would not affect Pakistan Railways’ long-term commitment to providing safe and reliable transportation. “This incident will not deter our resolve to maintain operations,” he affirmed.
Casualties and Medical Response
The security incident near Quetta Railway Station left many casualties. Fifty passengers were reported injured and are currently being treated at a trauma center. Medical teams from Pakistan Railways were quickly dispatched to assist with their care. Baloch acknowledged the swift response from the Quetta division, which helped in providing immediate relief to those affected by the attack.
In light of the casualties, Baloch assured that the families of both the deceased and injured passengers would receive compensation in accordance with Pakistan Railways’ insurance policy. “We will ensure that all claims are processed as per our insurance scheme,” he confirmed.
Terrorist Attack in Quetta
The suspension of train services follows a deadly blast near Quetta Railway Station on Saturday. The blast claimed the lives of 27 people and injured over 50 others. This attack is part of a broader wave of terrorist activities in Balochistan, raising significant security concerns in the region.
In response to the growing security threat, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the expansion of intelligence-based operations (IBOs) across Balochistan. The move comes as part of the federal government’s efforts to address the escalating terrorist activity in the province.
Federal Government Support
Naqvi chaired a high-level meeting on Balochistan’s security situation, where he pledged full federal support to the provincial government. “The federal government will provide all possible support to the Balochistan government to counter the threat of terrorism,” Naqvi said. He emphasized that strengthening the province’s security forces, including the police and counter-terrorism departments, would be a top priority.
To improve security in Balochistan, Naqvi detailed plans to enhance the capabilities of law enforcement agencies. These efforts will include targeted training and professional development for Balochistan’s Police, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), Levies, and other security personnel. The goal is to equip local forces with the necessary skills and resources to combat the growing threat of terrorism in the region.
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