A huge explosion close to a railway track in Jacobabad district of Pakistan’s Sindh province derailed six coaches of the Jaffar Express on Wednesday. The blast was reported near a cattle market, destroying the track and causing disruptions in train operations in the district. No casualties have been reported, officials asserted.
The attack resulted in the halting of train services on the route where the incident happened as security personnel swiftly cordoned off the area and began an investigation. Forensic personnel were sent to identify the nature and origin of the explosive material.
No group has made any claim regarding the attack thus far. Officialdom is considering the likelihood of militant groups being involved, especially since the district borders conflict-ridden Balochistan province.
This is the second Jaffar Express attack in recent months. In March, a train was ambushed in Balochistan’s Bolan region while traveling from Quetta to Peshawar. That attack was attributed to the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist organization that took control of the train briefly before Pakistani security forces stepped in.
Wednesday’s explosion has heightened new doubts about railway safety in the region, particularly given that the Jaffar Express is a frequent target. The authorities are keeping a close eye on the matter as investigations are carried out.
