On Wednesday, two distinct explosions disrupted gas supply and railway operations in various parts of Pakistan, affecting vital infrastructure. Although neither incident claimed any lives, the attacks’ coordinated nature has caused grave worries about security and public safety.
Train Derailment in Jacobabad
Six coaches of the Jaffar Express were derailled when a strong explosion near the livestock market in Jacobabad damaged a section of the railway track. Operations were immediately suspended after the passenger train, which was travelling between Quetta and Peshawar as planned, was struck by the explosion.
Witnesses said that after hearing a loud explosion, the passengers became terrified. Thankfully, despite the severity of the derailment, authorities have confirmed that no one was hurt or killed.
Technical specialists, railway enforcement officers, and a sizable police presence all showed up on the scene within minutes of the incident. In order to secure the blast zone and determine the extent of the damage, the area was sealed off.
According to Shahid Abbas, Divisional Superintendent of Pakistan Railways, initial evidence suggests that an improvised explosive device (IED) was used to destroy the track. Teams from Sukkur started working on recovery and repair while a rescue crane was sent out from Rohri. As a precaution, train services were halted on the impacted route, and the culprits are currently being investigated formally.
Gas Pipeline Blown Up in Lakki Marwat
In Lakki Marwat, a late-night explosion near Wanda Arsala destroyed a significant gas transmission line. An explosive device burst the pipeline, which transports natural gas from nearby production fields to Punjab. This caused a huge fire and generalised fear among the local populace.
Families in the area were forced to evacuate due to the explosion’s towering flames and dense smoke clouds. Although there were no reported injuries, the explosion caused a major disruption in the flow of gas, which affected the supply downstream.
While emergency services raced to contain the fire, local law enforcement reports that security guards immediately cordoned off the area to prevent further risk. The gas company’s engineers were sent in to isolate the damaged area and start immediate repairs.
Specialized response teams are working round-the-clock to restore operations, though full service resumption is contingent on safety clearance. An investigation has been launched, and authorities have yet to determine the identity or motive of those responsible.
The dual incidents—occurring within a short span of time—have heightened anxiety over sabotage attempts targeting Pakistan’s transport and energy infrastructure. While both attacks resulted in no casualties, officials warn that such actions could have deadly consequences and are calling for heightened vigilance across all sectors.
As investigations continue, security forces are on high alert, and intelligence agencies have been tasked with probing any possible links between the two attacks.
