Balochistan Government Imposes Section 144, Suspends Train Services Amid Security Concerns
SHAAL, BALOCHISTAN: The Balochistan government has imposed Section 144 across the province for one month, introducing sweeping restrictions on public movement, gatherings, and transportation in response to rising security concerns and recent attacks.
According to an official notification issued by provincial authorities, the restrictions have been enforced to maintain law and order and to address ongoing security challenges, including attacks targeting police convoys. Officials said the measures are aimed at taking proactive steps to safeguard the public and prevent unrest.
Under the new orders, a complete ban has been placed on the display and use of weapons throughout Balochistan. Authorities have also prohibited pillion riding, vehicles with tinted windows, unregistered motorcycles and vehicles and all forms of public gatherings involving five or more individuals, including rallies, sit-ins, and processions.
In a significant security measure, the government has additionally banned face coverings in public places during the enforcement period to improve identification and monitoring. The notification stated that the restrictions had taken immediate effect and warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone violating the orders.
Meanwhile, railway authorities announced the temporary suspension of train services from Balochistan to other parts of the country for two days, citing unavoidable circumstances.
As part of the suspension, the Jaffar Express travelling from Quetta to Peshawar has been cancelled for May 18 and 19. Railway officials further stated that the Jaffar Express operating from Peshawar to Quetta will remain limited to Jacobabad during the same period, while trains heading toward Quetta will be turned back from Jacobabad.
Authorities also confirmed that the Bolan Mail service between Quetta and Karachi, as well as the Chaman Passenger train service to Chaman, had already been suspended earlier.
