Balochistan train services suspended for 2nd day after Quetta blast
Synopsis
For the second straight day, Balochistan is cut off by rail — a direct fallout of the 24 May Chaman Phatak blast that killed at least 14 people. The BLA claims 82 military dead, the government says 14. With internet and bus services also suspended, the province is facing a multi-front connectivity blackout that underscores the deepening security crisis.
Key Takeaways
Train services in Balochistan , including the Jaffar Express and Bolan Mail , remained suspended for a second consecutive day on 29 May 2025 .
The disruption follows a 24 May blast near Chaman Phatak, Quetta , which killed at least 14 people , including 3 Frontier Corps personnel .
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility, alleging 82 Pakistani military personnel killed — a figure the government has not confirmed.
Internet services and bus routes to Quetta are also suspended, deepening the isolation of the province.
Passengers at Karachi Cantt Station staged protests over train delays.
Train operations across Balochistan, including in Quetta, remained suspended for a second consecutive day on Friday, 29 May, with Pakistani railway officials citing 'unavoidable circumstances' for the continued disruption. The suspension follows a deadly blast near Chaman Phatak in Quetta on 24 May that killed at least 14 people, including three Frontier Corps (FC) personnel.
Key Disruptions
The Jaffar Express from Quetta to Peshawar did not depart on Friday, while the corresponding train from Peshawar to Quetta was turned back at Jacobabad. The Bolan Mail and Chaman Passenger services to Karachi were also halted. Passengers at Karachi Cantt Station staged protests over delays in several outbound trains, according to reports from local media.
The Chaman Phatak Blast
The disruptions trace directly to the 24 May blast near Chaman Phatak in Quetta, which the Balochistan government confirmed killed at least 14 people, with several women and children among the injured. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility, alleging the attack targeted a military shuttle train carrying Pakistani Army personnel from Quetta Cantonment to be attached to the Jaffar Express.
In a statement, BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch described it as a 'highly complex, organised, joint operation' carried out by its Majeed Brigade, its 'fidayeen' unit, and its intelligence wing ZIRAB. The BLA claimed 82 Pakistani military personnel were killed and more than 121 others injured — figures that differ sharply from the official government toll of 14 dead. The conflicting numbers have not been independently verified.
Broader Impact on Balochistan
The train suspension is part of a wider pattern of connectivity breakdowns in the province. Internet services were also suspended in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan, compounding disruptions to daily life and commerce. Air services faced partial or complete suspension as well, cutting off the region further.
Notably, this is not the first such disruption this year. In February, bus services from major Pakistani cities to Quetta were suspended due to the deteriorating security situation, with all buses stopped at Rakhni. Transport operators said that suspension had impacted thousands of passengers across multiple cities.
Security Context
The recurring shutdowns point to an escalating security crisis in Balochistan, where militant groups — particularly the BLA — have repeatedly targeted transportation infrastructure and security forces. The province has long been the site of an insurgency, but attacks on civilian-adjacent infrastructure such as passenger trains mark a concerning intensification. The Pakistani government has not issued a formal timeline for restoring full rail connectivity to the region.
Point of View
Road, and internet simultaneously. Pakistan's pattern of information control in Balochistan means the full picture rarely emerges quickly. The deeper concern is structural — each successive attack on transport infrastructure normalises the isolation of Balochistan's civilian population, regardless of the intended military target.
NationPress
15 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are train services suspended in Balochistan?
Train services in Balochistan have been suspended following a blast near Chaman Phatak in Quetta on 24 May 2025, which killed at least 14 people. Railway authorities cited 'unavoidable circumstances' without specifying a resumption date.
Who carried out the Chaman Phatak blast in Quetta?
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the 24 May blast, saying it targeted a military shuttle train carrying Pakistani Army personnel. The BLA alleged 82 military personnel were killed, a figure that significantly exceeds the official government toll of 14 dead.
Which train services are affected by the Balochistan suspension?
The Jaffar Express between Quetta and Peshawar, the Bolan Mail, and the Chaman Passenger service to Karachi are all suspended. Several trains departing from Karachi have also been delayed, prompting passenger protests at Karachi Cantt Station.
Is this the first time connectivity has been disrupted in Balochistan this year?
No. In February 2025, bus services from major Pakistani cities to Quetta were suspended due to the security situation, with all buses halted at Rakhni. Internet services have also been cut in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan, compounding the current disruptions.
What is the BLA's Majeed Brigade?
The Majeed Brigade is described by the BLA as its 'fidayeen' — or suicide squad — unit. The BLA claimed the 24 May Quetta attack was a joint operation involving the Majeed Brigade, its intelligence wing ZIRAB, and other BLA elements.
