“There are reports of intense firing at Jaffar Express, which was heading from Quetta to Peshawar, between Pehro Kunri and Gadalar,” Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said.
Official data on casualties was not available, but security sources said that the train driver and several passengers were injured in the gunfire.
Rescue teams and security forces have reached the scene, and an operation is under way to track down the assailants. Emergency was declared in the local hospitals.
Railway officials confirmed that the train’s driver sustained serious injuries, and an emergency relief train has been dispatched to the area.
Meanwhile, Controller Railways Muhammad Kashif said the train, comprising nine coaches, had around 500 passengers on board.
“The train was stopped by armed men in Tunnel No 8,” the controller said.
There are 17 tunnels in this area on the railway line and due to the difficult terrain, the speed of the train is often slow.
The Balochistan government directed local authorities to take “emergency measures”.
A provincial government statement said an emergency was imposed at Sibi hospital and ambulances and security forces were on their way to the site.
In the past, the railway tracks in this area have been attacked by Baloch militants by using rockets or remote-controlled bombs and the BLA claimed responsibility for most of the attacks.
In October last year, Pakistan Railways announced the restoration of train services between Quetta and Peshawar after a suspension of more than a month and a half.
