Incident details: On the morning of June 18, 2025, as the Jaffar Express was en route from Peshawar to Rawalpindi and Lahore, a powerful explosion rocked it a few kilometers from the railway station in Jacobabad district of Sindh. According to police officials, the explosive device planted on the railway track derailed four bogies as it exploded near the train. SSP Jacobabad Saddam Khaskheli told the media: “The explosive device was planted on the railway line, which exploded as the train passed near it. Fortunately, there was no loss of life in the incident.” The blast caused severe damage to the railway track, and a deep crater was formed at the scene. Eyewitnesses said that the intensity of the explosion jolted the train, and panic spread among the passengers as the bogies derailed. The intense heat compounded the misery, and many passengers sought shade under the affected bogies. Rescue and restoration efforts: According to Sukkur Railway Control, railway rescue teams reached the spot immediately after the blast. The bomb disposal squad started clearing the area, after which the track restoration work began. will start. Arrangements are being made to transport the affected passengers to their destinations through alternative transport. Railway officials assured that they will restore the service as soon as possible. Past wounds and security questions: This is the second attack on the Jaffar Express this year. Earlier, in March 2025, the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the train in Kachhi (Bolan) district of Balochistan and martyred 26 passengers. After this incident, railway security was tightened in Balochistan, and a ban was imposed on the movement of trains during night hours. However, the attack exposed the weakness of security arrangements in the border areas of Sindh. SSP Saddam Khaskheli said: “We are investigating to know the nature of the explosion. The bomb disposal squad is doing its job, and its report will be out soon.” Passengers’ anxiety and determination: Describing this horrific experience, the passengers said that the sound of the explosion shook their hearts, and a wave of fear spread when the bogies derailed. One passenger said: "For us, these moments were like a fight with death, But thank God, everyone was safe.” The wait in the scorching heat added to the ordeal of the passengers, but their patience and courage made every difficulty easier. Railway authorities have assured immediate assistance and alternative arrangements for the affected passengers. Conclusion: This second attack on the Jaffar Express is a big question mark on Pakistan’s railway system and security arrangements. Although there was no loss of life this time, the incident is a clear message to the authorities that the security structure needs to be further strengthened. In view of the increasing threats of terrorism in the border areas of Balochistan and Sindh, the authorities have to remain vigilant to ensure the safety of innocent citizens. Source: ETV India: Nawa-e-Waqt: BBC Urdu: X-Posts: