In a shocking incident in south-west Pakistan, the Jaffar Express was hijacked by militants from the separatist group Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). The train, which embarked from Quetta and was headed to Peshawar, was attacked on 11 March 2024, leading to significant security operations.
The Attack
According to the BLA, militants blew up railway tracks and opened fire on the train, taking hostages and threatening the lives of passengers. The group claims to be holding 214 people hostage, including military personnel and civilians.
As chaos unfolded, security forces launched a massive rescue operation, deploying helicopters and special troops to the remote mountainous region where the hijacking occurred. Initial reports have confirmed the rescue of 155 passengers, although dozens remain trapped within the train.
Hostage Situation
Eyewitnesses revealed that some attackers wore suicide vests, complicating the situation and rescue efforts. Police have stated that while some hostages were taken into the mountains, others remained in the train’s cabin.
- Over 80 military personnel were aboard the train, adding to the urgency of the rescue.
- Security sources reported that 27 militants had been killed as operations continued.
Demands and Threats
The BLA’s demands include the release of Baloch political prisoners and activists within 48 hours, warning that hostages would be executed if their requests are not met. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, calling the attackers “enemies of the country” and assured that the military is working hard to resolve the situation.
Families of the hostages have expressed their anguish, with some confronting officials about the safety of their loved ones. As reports of casualties surfaced, emotional pleas from relatives highlighted the desperation of the situation.
Government Response
The incident has prompted emergency measures in Balochistan as the government pledges to improve security protocols on trains and in the region. Local rail operations from Punjab and Sindh to Balochistan are currently suspended.
This attack marks a significant escalation in the BLA’s long-standing conflict with the Pakistani state, which has seen numerous similar incidents aimed at drawing attention to their demands for greater autonomy and resource control in Balochistan.