On Tuesday, separatist militants from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the Jaffar Express train, which was en route from Quetta to Peshawar, carrying over 400 passengers, including women, children, and security personnel. The attack occurred in the rugged Bolan Pass, approximately 160 kilometers from Quetta. The militants, seeking Balochistan’s secession from Pakistan, halted the train by blowing up the railway track, sparking a deadly confrontation.
Security forces launched a complex rescue operation that has so far freed 127 passengers, though reports indicate that over 250 remain under the control of the BLA. The situation remains tense as Pakistani authorities continue efforts to rescue the remaining hostages and deal with the attackers.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
At least 10 passengers, including the train driver, have been reported killed in the attack. Meanwhile, security forces have confirmed the deaths of 27 BLA militants during the ongoing military operation. Dozens of passengers have already been freed from the hijacked train. A group of 70 passengers, including women, children, and the elderly, made their way to Panir station on foot, while over 50 additional passengers were rescued by security forces.
The rescued passengers were transported to Mach station, 65 kilometers from Quetta, where they were provided with food and medical assistance. Officials confirmed that they would be brought to Quetta on Wednesday.
BLA’s Demands and Hostage Situation
The BLA has claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that it holds over 200 hostages, with the majority being security personnel. The separatist group has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Pakistani government, demanding the unconditional release of Baloch political prisoners, forcibly disappeared persons, and national resistance activists. As of now, neither the Pakistani military nor government has made an official statement addressing these demands.
Government’s Response
Pakistani authorities have condemned the attack, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi calling the perpetrators “beasts” and offering prayers for the victims’ recovery. The government has also declared an emergency in hospitals across Sibi to prepare for casualties resulting from the standoff. Security forces continue to engage with the attackers, with many passengers still trapped on the train.
Balochistan’s Long-standing Conflict
The attack on the Jaffar Express is not an isolated incident. Baloch separatists have long targeted the train, a vital route linking Quetta with the rest of the country, often carrying security personnel. The region of Balochistan has been the site of a decades-long conflict between separatist groups and the Pakistani state. The BLA, in particular, has escalated its activities, seeking greater autonomy or independence for Balochistan, a resource-rich province.
This latest hijacking underscores the ongoing instability in the region, with the BLA and other separatist groups pushing back against the central government’s control.
The hijacking of the Jaffar Express highlights the volatile situation in Balochistan, where separatist groups continue to challenge the Pakistani state’s authority. As the hostage situation develops, the region’s long-standing conflict remains unresolved, and the military operation to free the remaining hostages and restore security to the region is ongoing. The Pakistani government and security forces are under increasing pressure to address the demands of the separatists while preventing further escalation in the area.
