Pakistan: Gunmen Attack Train in Balochistan, Several Injured

Karachi: Unidentified gunmen opened fire on a passenger train in Balochistan on Tuesday, leaving several people injured and causing panic among travelers. The attack on the Jaffer Express took place near the Ab-e-Gum area of Mach Town in Kachhi district, where around six armed assailants targeted the train, according to local media reports.

Attack on Jaffer Express

The Jaffer Express, traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, came under heavy gunfire between Pehro Kunri and Gadalar, inside Tunnel No. 8. The sudden attack caused chaos among passengers, with many seeking shelter inside the coaches.

Multiple passengers were wounded, though the exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed.
The train’s driver sustained serious injuries, railway officials said.
Security forces and rescue teams immediately reached the scene, and an operation is underway to track down the attackers.

Railway Officials Confirm Emergency Response

Muhammad Kashif, Controller Railways, stated that the train, carrying around 500 passengers across nine coaches, was stopped and fired upon by the gunmen. Efforts are ongoing to establish contact with passengers and crew.

In response, an emergency relief train has been dispatched to provide assistance and transport injured passengers to safety.

Who Is Behind the Attack?

So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. However, Balochistan has long been a hotspot for violent insurgencies.

Baloch militant groups frequently target security forces, infrastructure, and government projects, including the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Similar attacks in the past have been attributed to separatist organizations and militant groups operating in the region.

A Troubled Region

Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but most volatile province, shares borders with Iran and Afghanistan and has been dealing with a prolonged insurgency. Armed groups often target trains, security forces, and government installations, making railway routes particularly vulnerable.

Authorities on High Alert

Following the attack, security across Balochistan’s railway network has been heightened, with authorities reviewing safety measures for trains operating in and out of the province. The government has vowed to bring the attackers to justice and ensure the protection of passengers.

This is a developing story, and further details will emerge as the investigation continues.