(DailyChive.com) – Pakistani security forces battled suicide bomb-wearing militants to rescue nearly 200 passengers after a train was hijacked in a remote region of Balochistan province.
At a Glance
- The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the Jaffar Express train, killing at least 6 security personnel
- Pakistani forces rescued approximately 190 passengers, while over 150 remain hostage
- Security operations killed at least 27 BLA fighters, who were wearing explosive vests
- The separatist group demanded the release of Baloch political prisoners with a 48-hour ultimatum
- This marks the first successful train hijacking by militants in the region despite previous attacks
Attack and Initial Response
The Jaffar Express, traveling from Quetta to Peshawar with over 400 passengers, was violently hijacked near Sibi city in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province. Attackers struck while the train was partially inside a tunnel in the Bolan Pass region, approximately 160km from Quetta. The militants blew up the tracks and immobilized the engine, effectively trapping the train before taking hundreds of passengers hostage. Pakistani Railways promptly suspended all operations from Punjab and Sindh provinces to Balochistan until authorities can secure the area.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi took a firm stance against negotiations, declaring: “The beasts who fire on innocent passengers do not deserve any concessions.” Government spokesman Shahid Rind labeled the incident “an act of terrorism,” setting the tone for the security response that followed. The gravity of the situation became immediately apparent as reports emerged that the militants were wearing explosive vests, significantly complicating rescue efforts.
Rescue Operation and Casualties
Pakistani security forces mobilized quickly, launching a large-scale operation to free the hostages. Their efforts resulted in the rescue of approximately 190 passengers, including women and children. The operation came at a heavy cost, with at least 10 passengers killed, including the train driver. Security forces reported eliminating at least 27 BLA fighters during the confrontation. In a concerning development, the government reportedly sent 200 coffins to the area in preparation for potential casualties, highlighting the seriousness of the threat.
“This is a scene of doomsday,” said Muhammad Ashraf, one of the rescued passengers, describing the terrifying ordeal inside the hijacked train.
Another rescued passenger, Ishaq Noor, revealed the selfless protection offered by some adult passengers: “If a bullet comes our way, it will hit us and not the children.” Families of those still being held expressed anger and desperation, criticizing the government’s handling of information during the crisis. The BLA claimed to have “complete control” over the train and threatened to execute five hostages every hour after their deadline expires.
The Balochistan Liberation Army
The BLA, a separatist militant group with approximately 3,000 fighters, has a history of attacking the Jaffar Express, with previous incidents involving bombings and a suicide attack. In November, a suicide bombing at a Quetta train station killed 26 people. The group has demanded the release of Baloch political prisoners and issued a 24-hour deadline for their demands to be met, though they have also expressed openness to negotiations for a prisoner swap.
“After failing to damage the Pakistan Army within Balochistan, BLA has shifted its targets from military to unarmed civilians. This may give them instant public and media attention, but it will weaken their support base within the civilian population, which is their ultimate objective,” explained Syed Muhammad Ali, an Islamabad-based independent security analyst.
Security experts note the BLA has enhanced its capabilities in recent years, partly due to access to advanced weaponry left by U.S. forces in Afghanistan. The group has escalated its attacks in resource-rich but underdeveloped Balochistan, where locals have long demanded greater autonomy and control over natural resources. Analysts criticize the Pakistani government’s response as outdated and ineffective, citing intelligence failures and the military’s unfamiliarity with the challenging terrain.
Regional Implications
The hijacking represents a significant escalation in the long-running conflict in Balochistan province. Malik Siraj Akbar, a regional expert, highlighted the growing threat: “The group now undertakes major attacks, like the recent assault on a passenger train. This shift reflects both its increasing audacity and its confidence that the government lacks the capability to contain them, let alone pursue them effectively after such high-profile acts of terrorism.”
China, which has substantial economic interests in the region, expressed support through foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning, who stated that Beijing “will continue to firmly support Pakistan in advancing its counterterrorism efforts.” The complex situation in Balochistan has been exacerbated by political instability, with analyst Rafiullah Kakar noting: “Over the past decade, the province has become a laboratory for political engineering led by the military establishment, with six different chief ministers in 10 years, excluding caretaker setups.”
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