Rail travel from Balochistan to other parts of Pakistan was brought to a temporary halt on Saturday due to severe flooding that has affected key sections of the railway network.
The disruption impacts prominent routes, including the Jaffar Express, which runs to Peshawar, and the Bolan Mail, connecting Balochistan with Karachi. Railway officials emphasized that the suspension is a precautionary measure, prioritizing passenger safety as floodwaters continue to challenge infrastructure.
Authorities anticipate that services could resume Sunday, depending on improvements in weather conditions and the clearance of affected tracks. Passengers are being urged to stay updated through official railway helplines for information on rescheduling, refunds, or alternate arrangements.
Rising Flood Threats in Sindh and Balochistan
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued new alerts as Sindh braces for potentially severe flooding. Water levels in the Indus River are expected to surge to around 900,000 cusecs in early September, partly due to releases from upstream barrages in India and Punjab. Several districts in lower Sindh are likely to face inundation as a result.
Balochistan is also preparing for flood impacts. Water from the Indus is projected to reach the province by September 2, putting districts such as Jaffarabad, Rojhan, Usta Muhammad, and Sohbatpur at high risk. Provincial authorities have established a camp office in Naseerabad to monitor the situation closely and coordinate emergency relief efforts.
Analysis: Early Action Could Mitigate Damage
With key transport routes disrupted and vulnerable communities on alert, timely coordination between federal and provincial authorities will be critical. The suspension of train services, while inconvenient, reflects a growing focus on preemptive safety measures in the face of increasingly erratic weather patterns.
