An explosion on a railway track in the Haji Shar area of Bolan district has once again brought Balochistan’s fragile infrastructure into focus. The blast damaged a key section of the track, disrupting a vital transport link used daily by hundreds of passengers. Fortunately, no casualties or train accidents were reported, but the implications of the attack go far beyond physical damage.
The incident adds to a growing pattern of attacks mostly claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and the banned Baloch Republican Guard (BRG), both are militant group that have repeatedly targeted infrastructure across the province. From railway tracks to logistics hubs and financial institutions, the scope of such attacks appears to be expanding—raising a critical question: why are public services, relied upon by ordinary citizens, becoming primary targets?
For many in Balochistan, the railway is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Abdul Ghaffar, a daily wage laborer from the outskirts of Sibi, depends on the Jaffar Express to travel to Quetta in search of work.
“If the train stops, my work stops,” he says. “I cannot afford buses regularly. The railway is the only way I can earn.”
His situation is shared by thousands across the province. In a region defined by vast distances and limited road infrastructure, trains provide one of the most affordable and reliable means of travel. Students, workers, and small traders rely heavily on these services to sustain their daily lives.
The Bolan blast follows a similar attack in February, when a freight train at Ahmadwal Railway Station in Nushki was struck by rockets, severely damaging its engine. The station serves as a key logistics hub, making it an important economic artery for surrounding areas. Earlier in January, attacks also targeted banks, indicating a broader shift toward disrupting economic and civilian infrastructure.
Despite ongoing security operations, in which more than 700 militants have reportedly been killed over the past year, such incidents continue to occur. The persistence of these attacks underscores the challenges faced by authorities in securing widely spread infrastructure in a geographically complex region.
However, beyond the immediate security concerns lies a deeper and more pressing question—what purpose is served by targeting public lifelines?
Railway services like the Jaffar Express carry between 400 and 500 passengers daily, many of whom belong to low- and middle-income groups. These trains are essential for accessing jobs, education, and healthcare. When tracks are damaged or services suspended, the consequences are immediate and severe. Workers lose income, students miss classes, and families become disconnected.
Targeting such infrastructure does not isolate state institutions; instead, it places the burden squarely on civilians. In a province already facing economic hardship, these disruptions further limit opportunities and deepen existing inequalities.
The Bolan railway track blast is not just another security incident—for people like Abdul Ghaffar, the issue is not political rhetoric or strategy. It is about survival, stability, and the ability to continue a daily journey that keeps their lives moving forward.
