Pakistan’s Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi  announced the resumption of train services in Balochistan province on Wednesday, following a terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express earlier this month. He also added that trains will depart from the province on every day of the week instead of just two days.

According to Abbasi, the Jaffar Express will depart from Peshawar to Quetta on Thursday and from Quetta to Peshawar on Friday. A special Eid train will also operate from Quetta.  The minister also announced the recruitment of 500 railway personnel in the first phase.

Addressing a press conference in Quetta, the minister condemned the attack on the Jaffar Express, expressing deep sorrow for the loss of innocent lives. He commended the security forces for their swift response and their efforts in saving the lives of many passengers. 

The minister’s announcement comes after a 15-day suspension of train services following the March 11 attack on the Jaffar Express. The disruption of train services, coupled with road closures, caused significant hardship for travellers, who faced lengthy and arduous journeys by bus.

Prior to the press conference, the minister visited Quetta railway station and inspected the damaged Jaffar Express. He received a briefing from the Divisional Superintendent of Railways on the restoration of train services. The minister’s announcement marks a significant step towards restoring normalcy and connectivity in Balochistan.