In a dramatic and deadly hostage crisis, Pakistan’s military announced the successful conclusion of a 30-hour-long rescue operation after Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) militants hijacked a passenger train in Balochistan. The Pakistan Army confirmed that 21 civilians and 4 soldiers were killed, while over 300 hostages were rescued.
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The attack, one of the worst train hijackings in Pakistan’s history, has raised serious concerns about national security, insurgency, and counterterrorism measures.
The Train Hijacking: How It Unfolded
- On March 11, 2025, armed militants from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) stormed the Jaffar Express, a passenger train traveling through Balochistan.
- Militants seized control of multiple carriages, taking hundreds of passengers hostage.
- The attackers demanded the release of BLA prisoners in exchange for the hostages.
- Pakistan’s military rushed to the scene, deploying special forces and aerial surveillance.
Army’s 30-Hour Operation to Rescue Hostages
- The Pakistan Army surrounded the train, cutting off escape routes for the militants.
- Elite commando units launched a series of precision attacks on the hijackers.
- Militants used hostages as human shields, delaying the rescue operation.
- After intense gunfights, security forces neutralized the terrorists and secured the train.
Pakistan Army General confirmed the deaths of 21 civilians and 4 soldiers, while several militants were killed.
Who Is the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA)?
The BLA is an armed separatist group that has waged an insurgency against Pakistan, demanding independence for Balochistan.
- The group claims to fight for Baloch ethnic rights and opposes Chinese investments in the region.
- It has carried out multiple high-profile attacks on military installations and infrastructure projects.
- The Pakistani government has labeled the BLA a terrorist organization and accused foreign intelligence agencies of funding it.
International Reactions: UN, US, and China Condemn Attack
The hijacking has drawn strong global condemnation:
- United Nations (UN): Urged Pakistan to strengthen counterterrorism measures.
- United States: Condemned the attack and reaffirmed support for Pakistan’s anti-terror efforts.
- China: Expressed concerns over security risks to its investments in Balochistan, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Security Failures and Political Fallout
Experts are now questioning Pakistan’s intelligence agencies over how militants were able to hijack a train and hold passengers hostage for so long.
- Security experts warn that this attack exposes major gaps in railway security.
- Opposition parties are demanding resignations from key officials over intelligence failures.
- Some analysts believe the attack was timed to embarrass the government ahead of upcoming elections.
What’s Next? Pakistan’s Crackdown on Militants
Following the attack, Pakistan’s government has announced:
- Increased military operations against BLA hideouts in Balochistan.
- Deployment of special security forces to protect critical infrastructure.
- Tighter border controls to stop the flow of weapons and foreign support to militants.
Moving Ahead: A Devastating Attack with Long-Term Consequences
The Jaffar Express hijacking is one of Pakistan’s most severe security breaches in recent years. It highlights the resilience of militant groups like the BLA and raises serious questions about Pakistan’s counterterrorism policies.
With mounting political pressure and international scrutiny, the Pakistani government is now racing to prevent another attack while balancing Balochistan’s growing unrest.
This incident will likely reshape Pakistan’s national security strategy in the months ahead.
By – Nikita
