Pakistan Railways has temporarily halted the Jaffar Express service between Quetta and Peshawar for four days, citing security concerns to ensure passenger safety, according to Express Tribune. Railway officials stated that the suspension will be in effect from November 9 to November 12, following evaluations and recommendations from law enforcement and intelligence agencies. “The suspension is intended to protect passengers, railway staff, and railway property from potential threats,” officials added.

The Jaffar Express has been frequently targeted in terrorist attacks in recent years, causing fatalities and damage to railway infrastructure. These incidents have made the route highly sensitive, prompting authorities to implement additional precautions during periods of elevated risk. This year alone, the train has faced seven attacks, resulting in at least 30 civilian deaths and over 35 injuries.

As a major passenger service, the Jaffar Express connects Balochistan with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, serving as a critical transport link for commuters, traders, and travelers across provinces. In October, a blast on the railway track near Shikarpur in Sindh derailed four bogies of the train, injuring at least seven people. Shikarpur Deputy Commissioner Shakeel Abro reported that the explosion occurred at 8:15 am, about one kilometre from Sultan Kot railway station.