The Jaffar Express, which was hijacked by terrorists a week ago, is set to resume operations from Tuesday.

The announcement about resumption of the train’s services was made by Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi in conversation with reporters at the Parliament House on Tuesday.

Abbasi also said that the government will begin drone surveillance of train operations in Balochistan. He also said that CCTV cameras will be installed at railway stations to improve security monitoring.

The Jaffer Express had been hijacked by terrorists from the Baloch Liberation Army on March 11 near Sibi as it travelled to Peshawar.

The train’s track was blown up with explosives near tunnel no. 8 in a remote and mountainous location. The train was carrying over 400 passengers, who were held hostage by the terrorists.

Security sources later announced that there were suicide bombers placed among the hostages, causing the operation to proceed with caution.

Security forces finally completed their rescue operation around 36 hours after the attack had begun. Inter-Services Public Relations had announced that all 33 attackers involved in the attack had been eliminated. No passengers were harmed during the operation.

However, a total of 26 passengers lost their lives before the operation began. These included 18 armed forces personnel as well. Four FC personnel were also martyred in the attack.

Following the attack, Pakistan Railways had suspended the train’s operation.