Train services in Quetta suspended for four days amid security situation

Pakistan Railways has temporarily suspended train operations from Quetta for four days due to security concerns, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pakistan Railways, Ameer Ali Baloch, confirmed on Sunday.

Speaking to the media, Baloch explained that the suspension of services was a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of passengers following the recent security situation.

"Train operations from Quetta will resume as soon as clearance is received from the relevant authorities," he added.

Baloch expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts between the provincial government of Balochistan and security agencies, which had initially helped establish the railway’s connectivity with the rest of the country.

Despite the temporary halt, he emphasised that the recent setback would not weaken their resolve to maintain operations. "This incident will not deter our commitment to providing safe and reliable transportation services," he stated.

As a result of the security incident, fifty injured passengers are being treated at a trauma centre, with medical teams from Pakistan Railways on-site to assist with their care.

Baloch commended the Quetta division's swift response to the attack and their immediate relief operations.

Furthermore, Baloch assured that families of the deceased and the injured would receive compensation under Pakistan Railways' insurance policy.

"We will ensure that all claims are processed in accordance with our insurance scheme," he said.

In response to escalating terrorist activity in Balochistan, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced an expansion of intelligence-based operations (IBOs) across the province on Sunday.

The statement follows a deadly blast near Quetta Railway Station that claimed 27 lives and injured over 50 people on Saturday.

Chairing a high-level meeting on Balochistan’s security situation, Naqvi pledged the federal government’s full support to the provincial administration.

“The federal government will provide all possible support to the Balochistan government to counter the threat of terrorism,” he said, stressing that bolstering the province's security apparatus is a top priority.

He detailed plans to reinforce law enforcement capabilities, including targeted training and professional development for Balochistan’s Police, Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), Levies, and other security forces.