The Jaffar Express had resumed its journey early Thursday morning after a 17-day suspension following a tragic terrorist hijack in Balochistan’s Bolan area.
The train was decorated with festive buntings when it departed from Peshawar Cantonment Railway Station.
Federal minister Amir Muqam and railway officials were present to see off the passengers.
The Jaffar Express is the only train that travels through all four provinces. It passed through Punjab and Sindh before reaching Quetta on Friday evening.
Officials reported that 280 passengers had booked seats including 28 from Peshawar.
A special Eid train is operating from Quetta on March 29 to accommodate passengers traveling for Eid. Pakistan Railways is offering a 20% discount on tickets for this special service to make travel more affordable.
The train service was suspended after a terrorist attack on March 11 in which 26 passengers lost their lives.
Security forces launched an operation and successfully eliminated all 33 attackers.
Minister Amir Muqam while speaking to reporters stated that the resumption of the Jaffar Express was a strong message that the government, security forces, and people stand together against terrorism.
The minister also announced hiring 500 new Railway Police personnel with 70% of the recruits coming from Balochistan.
1,000 more persons will be added to the force In the next phase.
Railway officials briefed Mr. Amir Muqam about the security measures in place for the train’s operations.
They assured that all necessary steps have been taken to protect passengers and prevent future attacks.
