In a brazen attack, militants from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the Jaffar Express in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on Tuesday, taking 182 passengers hostage and allegedly killing 20 soldiers. The armed group, which seeks independence for Balochistan, bombed the railway track before storming the train, warning authorities against any rescue attempt.
Attack in a Remote Area
The hijacking occurred in a mountainous region near tunnel number 8 while the Jaffar Express was en route from Quetta to Peshawar. The BLA claimed that it had seized control of the train by derailing it. Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind confirmed reports of intense firing inside the train.
According to senior railway official Muhammad Kashif, over 450 passengers, including women and children, were initially on board. However, the BLA later claimed it had released civilians, especially women, children, and elderly passengers, allowing them a secure route out.
Government’s Response
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack, calling the perpetrators “beasts who fire on innocent passengers” and stating that they “do not deserve any concessions.” Authorities have imposed an emergency at Sibi hospital as security forces assess the situation.
Police official Mukhtar Ahmed, responsible for railway security in Quetta, described the area as a “difficult, rocky terrain” where access is only possible on foot.
Hostage Crisis and Military Threats
The BLA issued a warning that if the Pakistan military attempts an operation, all hostages will be executed. The train was brought to a halt in the remote Bolan district, a known insurgent hotspot.
Balochistan has long been a battleground for nationalist militants demanding a greater share of the province’s resources. The attack is the latest escalation in the ongoing insurgency.
Sources By Agencies
