Jaffar Express resumes operations after 15 days suspension

PESHAWAR: The Jaffar Express on Thursday kicked off a fresh journey from the Peshawar Cantt Railway Station after 15 days of break in the wake of a major attack in Balochistan.

The train was hijacked by the members of the Balochistan Liberation Army members in Balochistan on March 11. Over 400 passengers were taken hostage who were recovered after a commando operation by the Pakistan Army.

Federal Minister Amir Muqam along with others was present at the Cantt Railway Station on the occasion of the departure of Jaffar Express.

Amir Muqam on the occasion told reporters that terrorists would be defeated all over the country and the re-inauguration of the Jaffar Express was a powerful message to them. He said the nation was united to defeat terrorists.

The federal minister said the prime minister has directed the Railways authorities to further upgrade security where it is needed.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should focus on improving law and order instead of planning to attack the federal capital, he added. He said that joint efforts were needed from everyone concerned to defeat terrorism and restore peace.

The Jaffar Express restarted its journey after 15 days. The train was decorated with the national flag and balloons.

As many as 280 passengers had obtained reservations in the train while it departed with 28 passengers on board from Peshawar.

The Jaffar Express enters Punjab from Peshawar, then moving to Sindh before ending its journey in Balochistan.

It will reach Quetta today (Friday) afternoon after a 34-hour journey.