Quetta: A series of attacks attributed to Baloch separatist groups on the Jaffar Express has prompted Pakistan Railways and security agencies to introduce armed and militarized security coaches on the train, marking a significant shift in railway security arrangements across Balochistan.
Railway officials confirmed that a special security coach has recently been attached to the Jaffar Express and successfully tested during trial runs. The newly deployed coach is equipped with modern automatic weapon systems, enhanced surveillance tools, and advanced communication technology, and is staffed by trained security personnel. Authorities say the move aims to address persistent security threats along sensitive rail routes in the province.
The Jaffar Express, which operates between Quetta and major cities in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has repeatedly come under attack in recent years. Baloch separatist groups have claimed responsibility for several of these incidents, stating that their targets were specific coaches used by Pakistani military personnel for travel and the transportation of equipment, rather than civilian passengers. These attacks have resulted in service disruptions, damage to railway infrastructure, and heightened concerns over passenger safety.
According to railway sources, the decision to deploy armed coaches reflects a transition from conventional security measures to a more fortified and technology-driven approach. The security coach will remain under observation during an extended trial period, after which it may become a permanent feature of the train’s operations.
Officials indicated that further security enhancements could be introduced if the threat environment persists. Meanwhile, train operations continue under tight security as authorities attempt to balance passenger safety with the challenges posed by ongoing instability along key rail corridors in Balochistan.
