Explosion derails several coaches of Jaffar Express in Pakistan, seven passengers injured

A blast on Tuesday derailed multiple bogies of the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express in Pakistan’s southwestern Sindh province, leaving at least seven passengers injured. The attack took place near Somarwah, close to Sultan Kot in Shikarpur district. The injured were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. The railway track suffered significant damage, causing delays and raising safety concerns for passengers. A rescue operation is underway, with police and paramilitary forces securing the area and collecting evidence to determine the cause of the explosion.

The Baloch insurgent group, Baloch Republican Guards (BRG), claimed responsibility for the attack. According to a BRG spokesperson, the blast was executed using a remote-controlled improvised explosive device (IED) while soldiers of the Pakistani army were traveling on the train. The explosion derailed six coaches and caused casualties among the soldiers. The BRG stated that such attacks would continue until Balochistan achieves independence. This is the latest in a series of attacks targeting the Jaffar Express, highlighting the ongoing security challenges faced by Pakistan’s railway system in insurgency-prone regions.

Repeated attacks on Jaffar Express highlight rising security concerns

The Jaffar Express, which runs between Quetta and Peshawar, has been repeatedly targeted by insurgent groups in recent months. In September 2025, a blast in the Dasht area of Mastung, Balochistan, destroyed one coach and derailed six others, injuring twelve passengers. Earlier, on August 10, an IED derailed six coaches in Mastung, injuring four people. On August 4, the pilot engine of the train was fired upon near Kolpur, with the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claiming responsibility.

In June 2025, another explosion in Jacobabad district derailed four coaches, though no casualties were reported. The worst attack occurred on March 11, 2025, when the train was hijacked, leading to the deaths of 26 people, including security personnel. The series of attacks underlines the persistent threats faced by passengers traveling through Balochistan and Sindh. Authorities continue to increase security measures, but the repeated targeting of the Jaffar Express underscores the challenges of maintaining safety in regions affected by separatist violence.

Security forces and local authorities are actively investigating the recent blast, while rescue operations continue at the site. The repeated attacks on the Jaffar Express have caused public concern over railway safety and highlighted the ongoing insurgent activities in Pakistan’s southwestern regions. The government faces mounting pressure to ensure passenger safety and strengthen protective measures along these vulnerable railway routes.

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With the Baloch Republican Guards claiming responsibility for this attack, tensions in the region remain high. The group has publicly declared its intent to continue attacks until Balochistan’s independence is achieved, signaling that railway and security operations may continue to be at risk. This latest incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragile security situation in parts of Pakistan and the ongoing struggle between state forces and separatist groups.

Authorities have cordoned off the site, and a detailed investigation is ongoing to determine the exact method of the attack. Meanwhile, hospitals in Shikarpur and nearby districts are treating the injured passengers, who are reported to be in stable condition. Passengers traveling on the Jaffar Express have expressed fear and concern after repeated attacks, leading to calls for enhanced security measures along the train route.

The recurring attacks on Jaffar Express highlight the strategic significance of this train service, connecting major cities like Quetta and Peshawar. Insurgent groups appear to target it not only to cause disruption but also to send a political message regarding their separatist demands. Analysts suggest that unless security is substantially reinforced, such attacks may continue to threaten the safety of passengers and the stability of regional transportation networks.

In conclusion, the recent blast on Jaffar Express in Shikarpur, Sindh, is part of a series of targeted attacks on this train in 2025. With at least seven injured and multiple coaches derailed, the incident underscores persistent security challenges in southwestern Pakistan. The Baloch Republican Guards have claimed responsibility, emphasizing their separatist agenda, while authorities continue rescue and investigation operations. Repeated attacks on the Jaffar Express reveal the urgent need for stronger security measures to protect passengers and railway infrastructure in insurgency-affected regions.