Pakistan Train Hijacked by Baloch Militants in Pakistan: Hostage Crisis Unfolds in Balochistan

PAKISTAN TRAIN HIJACKED-  The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group, hijacked the Jaffar Express, a passenger train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, on Tuesday morning in Pakistan. The train, carrying approximately 450–500 passengers, was attacked in the Bolan district, where militants bombed the railway tracks, forcing it to stop in a remote mountainous area, possibly inside a tunnel.

The BLA claims to have taken 182 passengers hostage, including active-duty personnel from the Pakistani military, police, Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF), and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), who were reportedly traveling on leave to Punjab.

Also Read- Assam Set to Launch Pioneering Satellite Project ‘ASSAMSAT’ with ISRO Collaboration

The group asserts it has killed 20 Pakistani soldiers during the assault, though official confirmation of this figure varies, with some reports citing as few as six security personnel deaths.

The BLA has warned that all hostages will be executed if Pakistani security forces attempt a military intervention, claiming to have already repelled an initial ground assault.

Also Read- Mizoram Proposes Border Talks with Assam in April to Resolve Long-Standing Dispute

Pakistani security forces have responded swiftly, launching a clearance operation in the Bolan district. Special forces have surrounded the train, with helicopters deployed overhead, but negotiations appear stalled.

Local police have reported that nearly 350 passengers are believed to be safe, suggesting some may have been released or escaped, though this conflicts with the BLA’s claim of retaining 182 hostages. The group states it has freed women, children, and Baloch passengers, keeping only security personnel captive.

Also Read- Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Presents Manipur Budget for 2025-26

The Balochistan government has imposed emergency measures, mobilizing hospitals and security contingents.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack, vowing no concessions to the militants, while the military operation continues with the stated goal of eliminating the threat and rescuing the hostages.

The situation remains tense, with hostages reportedly held for over 12 hours without food or water, and the rugged terrain complicating rescue efforts. Updates are ongoing as the standoff persists.