Pakistan Suspends Rail Services Across Balochistan Amid Intel Warning Of Possible Militant Attack

Last Updated:December 25, 2025, 12:08 IST

Authorities received intelligence indicating that Baloch separatist groups may attempt to target sensitive installations on December 25, which is Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s birthday

All trains to and from Quetta have been suspended as a precautionary measure. (AFP)

Pakistan Railways on Thursday suspended all train services across Balochistan after security agencies warned of a possible militant attack targeting railway infrastructure in the province, CNN-News18 has learnt.

“All trains to and from Quetta have been suspended as a precautionary measure," a Pakistan Railways official confirmed, citing intelligence inputs pointing to a potential large-scale attack. Passenger services, including the Jaffer Express, Bolan Mail and Chaman Express, along with cargo trains, have been halted until further notice.

Security sources told CNN-News18 that authorities had received intelligence indicating that Baloch separatist groups may attempt to target sensitive installations, including railway infrastructure, on Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s birthday—December 25—a national holiday in Pakistan. The warning prompted an immediate shutdown of rail operations in what officials described as a preventive step.

Railway protection units and personnel from the Frontier Corps have been placed on high alert along key corridors in the province, particularly the Quetta–Sibi–Mach sector, which has previously seen attacks on rail tracks and trains.

“Train services in Balochistan are suspended due to precautionary measures," the railways official said, adding that services would resume only after a security review.

The suspension has disrupted civilian travel and logistics supply chains, with Balochistan heavily dependent on rail links for the movement of people, fuel and essential goods between the provincial capital and the rest of the country.

According to security officials, the latest intelligence suggests a shift in tactics by Baloch separatist groups, focusing on symbolic, high-impact targets aimed at embarrassing the state on nationally significant days. Railway infrastructure remains a frequent target due to long, exposed track stretches and limited surveillance, particularly in remote areas.

Pakistan Railways said it was coordinating closely with security agencies to assess the threat and ensure the safety of passengers and infrastructure before restoring services.

News world Pakistan Suspends Rail Services Across Balochistan Amid Intel Warning Of Possible Militant Attack

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