Jaffar Express blast involved remote-controlled device, NA body told
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Railways was informed on Friday that the recent attack on the Jaffar Express was carried out using a remote-controlled explosive device involving multiple materials.
The committee, chaired by Convener Ramesh Lal, met to review the Jaffar Express incident, railway land utilization, and progress on the Karachi Freight Corridor project.
Briefing the members, DIG Railway Police said four to five explosive devices were used in the blast, confirming that a remote-controlled mechanism was employed. He added that while the attackers remain unidentified, intelligence agencies are actively assisting in the investigation.
The DIG said the attack was believed to have been planned from Balochistan, prompting enhanced patrolling and surveillance of railway tracks in coordination with the Frontier Corps (FC). The committee recommended installing signal jammers on key trains, including the Jaffar Express, to prevent similar incidents.
On the issue of railway land, Secretary Railways Syed Mazhar Ali Shah informed the committee that the newly established Land and Property Directorate has begun formal work to streamline land management. Railway assets, he said, have been categorized into three classes, with high-value properties in major cities such as Lahore and Karachi now eligible for leasing for up to 33 years — a move expected to significantly increase revenue.
Divisional Superintendent Sukkur reported that Pakistan Railways currently uses over 1,458 acres of land in the Sukkur division, where 60 informal settlements have been regularized. Committee members proposed field visits to Sukkur, Hyderabad, and Karachi to assess land utilization firsthand.
Regarding the VIP Saloon Service, officials clarified that the facility has now been opened to the public, with a fare of Rs170,000 for travel between Islamabad and Karachi, accommodating up to ten passengers per trip.
On the Karachi Freight Corridor Project, the Secretary said it would be completed in two phases, with work on the first phase likely to begin within eight months. The initial investment, estimated at $400 million, is under discussion with the UAE government. The corridor — linking Karachi Port to Pipri — aims to ease city traffic congestion and boost rail cargo capacity.
Currently, only eight percent of containers are transported via rail. Once operational, the new freight line will enable a single train to carry cargo equivalent to 120 trucks, significantly reducing road burden. The committee also reviewed progress on restoring flood-affected tracks between Khanewal and Shorkot. Officials reported that about 1,200 feet of track remain damaged and one section is still submerged. Members expressed concern over the lack of long-term planning to protect rail infrastructure from recurring seasonal floods. Syed Naveed Jamal
