Pakistan Railways has intensified security across its stations and facilities nationwide in response to a deadly blast at Quetta Railway Station. Speaking to Express News, Inspector General of Railway Police Rao Sardar Ali Khan stated, “We have issued a red alert for security at all railway stations, including those in Karachi.” He also mentioned the deployment of additional railway police officers and the placement of bomb disposal squads at major stations to screen passengers before train departures.
Enhanced security measures now require all passengers and their belongings to undergo thorough checks at station entrances. Walk-through gates are being installed, and officers have been instructed to monitor for any unauthorized individuals lingering around the premises. To further tighten security, extra personnel are now stationed at entry and exit points, with incoming vehicles also subject to inspections. Key locations will have female officers on duty to ensure passenger safety.
“We are taking all steps necessary to make security foolproof across railway stations, trains, and facilities,” Rao Sardar emphasized, urging passengers to cooperate with railway police and promptly report any suspicious individuals or items. He also noted that railway police would receive additional resources to bolster security.
Earlier in the day, a suicide bombing at Quetta Railway Station claimed at least 25 lives and injured more than 50. The explosion occurred as passengers gathered on the platform awaiting the departure of the Jafar Express to Peshawar, scheduled for 9:00 am. Emergency services responded swiftly, transporting the injured to Civil Hospital in Quetta, where an emergency was declared.
Dr. Abdul Sattar, Medical Superintendent at Civil Hospital, confirmed that both men and women were among the casualties, with several individuals in critical condition. “Among the injured, 46 have been brought to Civil Hospital, where they are receiving immediate medical attention,” a hospital representative reported. According to SSP Operations Muhammad Baloch, two railway police officers, Head Constables Ghulam Rasool Jamali and Bhoral Khan, were also injured in the explosion, which is believed to have been a suicide attack.