A devastating hijacking of a passenger train by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) in Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan concluded tragically after a military operation resulted in at least 25 deaths, including 21 civilians and four security personnel, authorities confirmed on Wednesday.
The Jaffar Express, which was en route from Quetta to Peshawar with over 440 passengers aboard, was violently intercepted on Tuesday morning near Bolan Pass, a mountainous region notorious for militant activity. Militants strategically detonated explosives placed on the railway track and unleashed a barrage of rocket-propelled grenades, forcing the train to halt within a remote tunnel and causing chaos among passengers and crew.
In a dramatic escalation on Wednesday morning, the military launched its rescue operation. Soldiers and commandos stormed the train amid fierce resistance from militants, engaging in intense firefights within the confined spaces of the tunnels and train compartments. Several explosions and continuous gunfire echoed through the mountainous terrain as air support conducted overhead reconnaissance to aid the ground troops.
According to Pakistani military officials, all 33 militants were killed in the operation, successfully ending the hijacking. Tragically, despite efforts to minimize casualties, at least 21 hostages lost their lives during the rescue operation, along with four security personnel. Authorities reported that the majority of the hostages, over 190 individuals, were safely recovered and evacuated for immediate medical attention and trauma counseling at nearby medical facilities.
Authorities confirmed today that nearly all passengers involved in the deadly hijacking of the Jaffar Express train by militants from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) have safely reached Quetta. According to local district officials, approximately 15 injured passengers remain hospitalized at Quetta’s Trauma Centre, while others have returned to their homes following their harrowing ordeal.
The district administration reported that passengers who had been successfully evacuated were transported from the site of the attack back to Quetta, where they were reunited with anxious family members. However, the emotional trauma and physical injuries sustained during the horrific event continue to impact the survivors significantly.
As per recent statements from the authorities, the 21 passengers killed by militants during the initial hijacking operation have been identified, though families are still awaiting formal procedures before the victims’ remains can be transported home. Currently, authorities have confirmed that the region surrounding the attack site is undergoing thorough clearance and investigation protocols to ensure no further threats remain.
Speaking at a press conference last night, Lieutenant-General Faisal Khan, spokesperson for the Pakistani military, reported, “All terrorists involved in the attack have been neutralized during our clearance operation. However, protocol mandates continued examination and investigation in the area. Some passengers who managed to flee during the chaos are still being accounted for.”
General Khan added that security forces had launched the military operation only after militants executed 21 passengers. Survivors and their families expressed both relief at the rescue and anguish over the substantial loss of life.
Authorities have now commenced an investigation into how security lapses allowed such a significant terrorist incident to occur, emphasizing accountability measures for any identified shortcomings.
Families of the deceased have expressed profound grief and have demanded swift justice, calling for strengthened security measures on vulnerable rail routes to prevent future tragedies.
Survivors of the ordeal described harrowing experiences filled with fear and uncertainty. One passenger recounted, “We didn’t know if we’d survive. The attackers were heavily armed, and some seemed determined to die rather than surrender.” Another passenger, visibly traumatized, said, “It was chaos. There were explosions and continuous firing. I saw people injured and bleeding. We just prayed to come out alive.”
The hijacking represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, reflecting the militants’ desperation to draw attention to their demands. Analysts fear this incident could lead to increased violence and instability in a region already scarred by insurgency and terrorism.
International condemnation swiftly followed the incident, with governments across the globe, including the United Kingdom, United States, and the European Union, expressing condolences and solidarity with Pakistan. The British Foreign Office stated, “The UK unequivocally condemns this horrific act of terrorism and stands with the people and government of Pakistan during this difficult time.”
Human rights groups called for transparency and accountability, urging the Pakistani government to address underlying grievances in Balochistan through dialogue and meaningful reform. Amnesty International’s South Asia representative highlighted the urgency, saying, “While terrorism must be unequivocally condemned, addressing the root causes, including enforced disappearances and socioeconomic disparities, is critical to achieving long-term peace.”
The tragedy of the Jaffar Express hijacking has highlighted once again the volatile security situation in Balochistan and underscored the necessity of addressing longstanding grievances within the region. While military and security measures remain paramount in combating immediate threats, analysts stress that a political solution that addresses socioeconomic issues and respects human rights remains essential.
As families mourn their losses and survivors attempt to rebuild their lives, Pakistan stands at a crossroads, challenged to balance tough security measures with urgent political reconciliation and development initiatives. How the government responds in the coming weeks could determine whether lasting peace is achievable or if the cycle of violence and insurgency will continue.
The tragic hijacking and its deadly outcome have deeply shaken Pakistan, leaving the country confronting critical questions about its future security strategies and regional stability. The international community continues to closely monitor developments, emphasizing the importance of human rights, accountability, and sustained efforts toward peace.