The situation in Balochistan remains far from normal following the Jaffar Express attack, with road blockages causing severe food shortages and artificial price hikes, leaving residents distressed.

Even after 12 days, train services have not resumed, fares for alternative transport to Karachi have doubled, and airline tickets are now being sold for an exorbitant Rs70,000 to Rs80,000.

Meanwhile, Quetta has been experiencing a complete internet blackout for the past four days, cutting it off from the rest of the country.

Train operations have been suspended since March 11, when the Jaffar Express — travelling from Quetta to Peshawar — was attacked. The continued shutdown of rail services, coupled with road closures and safety concerns, has made bus travel equally challenging.

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Journeys that once took hours are now stretching into days, adding to the suffering of passengers.

Fares for vehicles using alternative routes to Karachi have surged. The usual Rs4,000 fare for travel via the Bolan route has skyrocketed to Rs7,000-Rs8,000, while one-way airline tickets are now unaffordable for most.

The crisis has led to a severe shortage of essential food supplies, with rising prices further burdening citizens.

Fruits, vegetables, and other goods transported from outside the region have become significantly more expensive.

Adding to the distress, Quetta has been without internet access for four consecutive days, completely isolating the city. With roads inaccessible and train services halted, air travel has become the only option — but at prices out of reach for the average traveller.

Stranded passengers continue to suffer, as safe and affordable travel remains a major challenge.