Gunmen attacked the Jaffar Express passenger train in Kachhi district of Pakistan’s Balochistan province on Tuesday, prompting the provincial government to instruct local authorities to implement “emergency measures.” Officials suspect the incident may have a terror-related motive.
The attack took place near the Ab-e-Gum area of Mach Town in Balochistan’s Kachhi district, where approximately six armed individuals opened fire on the train, causing widespread panic among passengers. Initial reports indicate that several travelers sustained injuries during the assault.
Levies officials confirmed that the Jaffar Express was attacked near Tunnel No. 8 at Peru Kanri, situated on the border between Sibi and Bolan. Security forces swiftly responded to the scene to regain control of the situation. Emergency measures were also enacted at Civil Hospital Sibi and Dhadar to provide medical care for the injured.
Unverified reports suggest that the attackers may have taken control of the train, raising concerns about a potential hostage situation. Authorities are actively investigating these claims while conducting a large-scale security operation to secure the train and ensure passenger safety.
Railway officials reported that the train’s driver sustained severe injuries, and an emergency relief train has been dispatched to assist. As a precaution, authorities have temporarily halted the Karachi-bound Bolan Mail at Sibi, along with the Peshawar-Quetta Jaffer Express. Civil Hospital Sibi remains on high alert, bracing for additional casualties.
