A dramatic train hijacking unfolded in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province as separatist militants from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) derailed and seized a Peshawar-bound train, taking hundreds of passengers hostage. The incident, which took place near Bolan district, has sparked a fierce confrontation between the Pakistani military and the insurgents.

The Jaffar Express, traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, was stormed by heavily armed BLA militants who detonated a bomb on the railway track, forcing the train to stop. They then wounded the driver and took control of the 450 passengers on board. The BLA issued a chilling ultimatum:

If Pakistan launches a military operation, all hostages will be executed.

Intense Clashes as Military Struggles to Regain Control

Rescue teams and Pakistan’s security forces rushed to the scene but faced significant challenges due to the mountainous terrain. Reports from local media confirmed that intense clashes erupted between Pakistani forces and the BLA rebels, leading to:

• More than 30 Pakistani security personnel killed
• Over 214 people taken hostage, including army and intelligence officers
• Pakistani military launching airstrikes and drone attacks using Cobra helicopters and jet fighters

As the first rescue attempt failed, the BLA captured 100 security personnel and issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding:
The release of all Baloch political activists
An end to military operations in Balochistan

If these demands are not met, the militants have threatened to execute the hostages and destroy the train.

BLA Claims to Have Repelled Military Assault

In a series of statements, the BLA asserted that it had successfully repelled Pakistani troops, forcing them to retreat after eight hours of fighting. The group claimed to have:

Killed at least 20 more security personnel
Captured 182 hostages, including officers from the Pakistani Army, police, ISI, and ATIF
Released all civilian passengers, including women, children, and elderly Baloch citizens

With the train trapped inside a tunnel, the Pakistani Army faces a complex rescue operation, further complicated by BLA fighters reportedly using human shields.

Pakistan Responds: "No Concessions for Terrorists"

Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, condemned the attack, stating:

“The beasts who fire on innocent passengers do not deserve any concessions.”

The Balochistan government has declared a state of emergency, mobilizing all institutions to respond to the crisis. Security sources also claim the BLA militants were in contact with foreign facilitators, hinting at international involvement.

Meanwhile, conflicting reports suggest that local police told Reuters that only 35 hostages remain in captivity, and that over 350 passengers have been rescued. However, independent verification remains difficult.

Baloch Militancy: A Growing Threat in Pakistan

Balochistan has been plagued by a decades-long insurgency, with separatist groups accusing Islamabad of exploiting the region’s natural resources while depriving locals of economic benefits.

Over the past year, the BLA and allied militant groups have escalated their attacks:
In 2023, the BLA carried out 302 attacks, killing over 580 people
In 2024, over 1,000 people died in attacks by BLA, BLF, and BRAS militants
In November 2024, a BLA suicide bombing in Quetta killed 26 people, including 14 soldiers

The Pakistani military has responded with heavy-handed counter-insurgency operations, often drawing international criticism for human rights abuses.

What Happens Next?

Will Pakistan negotiate with the BLA?
Can the military successfully rescue the remaining hostages?
How will this attack impact Pakistan’s security policies?

With the 48-hour ultimatum ticking, the situation remains tense and unpredictable. Will Pakistan make a deal, or will this crisis lead to more bloodshed? Stay tuned for updates.