Pakistan – In a shocking and brutal attack, militants from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the Jaffar Express on its way from Quetta to Peshawar, holding over 400 passengers hostage. The incident, which took place in Balochistan’s Bolan district, resulted in intense clashes between security forces and insurgents, leaving at least 16 terrorists dead and 104 hostages rescued.
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However, 214 passengers remain in captivity, with the BLA demanding a prisoner exchange with the Pakistani government.
How the Attack Unfolded
- The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group, blasted the railway tracks, forcing the Jaffar Express to stop.
- Armed insurgents boarded the train and held passengers at gunpoint.
- Women, children, and some civilians were later released, while security personnel were taken hostage.
- Gunfire erupted, injuring several passengers, including the train driver, who later succumbed to injuries.
BLA’s Demands: A 48-Hour Ultimatum
The BLA issued a strict ultimatum to the Pakistani government, stating that unless Baloch political prisoners were released within 48 hours, they would execute the hostages. The group called the captured military and security officers “prisoners of war” and refused to negotiate beyond their demands.
Rescue Operations and Military Response
- Pakistani security forces launched a counterattack, leading to heavy clashes.
- 16 militants were killed, but the BLA retaliated with explosives and heavy gunfire.
- Cobra helicopters and jet fighters were deployed to the region as the Pakistani Army intensified rescue efforts.
- 104 hostages were successfully freed, but 214 remain in captivity, including military officers and police personnel.
International Reactions and Political Ramifications
The attack has drawn global condemnation, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urging for an immediate and peaceful resolution to the crisis. Former Pakistani President Arif Alvi also condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly act of terrorism.”
The incident has reignited discussions about Balochistan’s insurgency, with analysts pointing to decades of instability in the region. The province, rich in natural resources, has been a conflict zone due to political tensions, economic exploitation, and separatist movements.
Who is the Baloch Liberation Army?
The BLA is a militant separatist group that has been fighting for an independent Balochistan. Over the years, they have carried out multiple attacks against Pakistani security forces, often targeting railways, government buildings, and Chinese investments in the region.
- The group has been gaining strength, especially amid Pakistan’s economic and political crisis.
- Baloch rebels have also attacked Chinese projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), accusing them of exploiting Balochistan’s resources.
Eyewitness Accounts: Terror and Survival
Passengers onboard the Jaffar Express recalled the terrifying moments of the hijacking. Allahditta, a survivor, told reporters:
“People were hiding under seats, women were crying, and the gunmen separated the men from the women. It was a nightmare.”
The BLA reportedly allowed some civilians to go, including elderly passengers and a heart patient. However, those identified as military personnel were forcibly taken into captivity.
What’s Next? The Uncertain Fate of the Remaining Hostages
With the 48-hour deadline approaching, the Pakistani government faces a difficult decision—either negotiate with the BLA or launch a full-scale military operation. However, any hasty move could risk the lives of the remaining 214 hostages.
Military analysts predict that Pakistan’s response will set a precedent for how it handles Baloch insurgency in the future. As tensions continue to rise, the world watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution.
Moving Ahead
The Pakistan train hijack is one of the deadliest insurgent attacks in the country’s recent history. While security forces have managed to free some hostages, the crisis is far from over. The coming hours will be crucial, as Pakistan decides whether to negotiate or escalate military action.
One thing is clear—the situation in Balochistan remains volatile, and the conflict between separatists and the Pakistani state is far from over.
By – Nikita
