QUETTA: Security forces foiled an attempt to blow up the Rawalpindi-bound Jaffar Express passenger train by defusing a 15kg bomb planted at the main railway line near Mach area of Bolan district on Friday.

Pakistan Railway officials said that some gangmen were checking the main railway line before the arrival of Jaffar Express in Mach when they found a suspected bag.

They said personnel of security forces and Railway police were immediately informed about the suspected bag.

A 15kg bomb was planted to target the Rawalpindi-bound train

The personnel cordoned off the area and called out the bomb disposal squad.

Officials of bomb disposal rushed to the area and defused the bomb after finding it in the suspected bag.

All trains bound for Karachi, Lahore, Quetta and Rawalpindi were stopped at different railway stations by Railway authorities.

“It was a 15kg remote control bomb planted at the railway track to target Jaffar Express,” security officials said, adding that fortunately the railway gangmen — Behram and Faiz Muhammad — found the suspected bag and immediately informed the security officials.

The train service between Quetta and other parts of the country remained suspended for several hours.

All trains coming to Quetta and going to other parts of the country were allowed to resume their journey after security agencies completed their operation, said a spokesman for Pakistan Railway.

Published in Dawn, July 1st, 2017