180 Passengers, Mostly Soldiers, Held Hostage As Rebels Hijack Train In Pakistan

New Delhi  – The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group fighting for an independent Balochistan, has hijacked a train in Pakistan, taking over 180 passengers, including military personnel, hostage. The group has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Pakistani government, demanding the release of Baloch political prisoners and those allegedly subjected to enforced disappearances.

The Jaffar Express, carrying more than 450 passengers in nine carriages, was en route from Quetta in the southwestern province of Balochistan to Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa when it came under attack. Armed rebels reportedly blew up a section of the railway track, forcing the train to halt inside a tunnel in the Mushqaf area of Bolan district.

Militants Take Control, Kill Several Soldiers

According to a statement released by the BLA and signed by its spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch, the rebels boarded the halted train and took control. The statement, shared on social media, claims that six Pakistani military personnel were killed during the operation and warns that any military retaliation will lead to the execution of hostages.

“Any military incursion will be met with an equally forceful response. So far, six military personnel have been killed, and hundreds of passengers remain under BLA custody. The Baloch Liberation Army takes full responsibility for this operation,” the BLA spokesperson declared.

Pakistani Authorities Respond

Security forces have rushed to the scene, and emergency measures have been enforced by the Balochistan government. “All institutions have been mobilized to handle the crisis,” said government spokesperson Shahid Rind, adding that authorities are working on a response strategy.

Senior railway official Muhammad Kashif confirmed the situation, stating, “Over 450 passengers onboard are being held hostage by gunmen.” Officials are evaluating potential rescue operations while remaining cautious about the safety of the hostages.

Ongoing Baloch Insurgency

The BLA is the most prominent among several Baloch separatist groups that have engaged in armed resistance against the Pakistani state, citing economic exploitation and marginalization. The region, despite being rich in gas and minerals, remains one of the most underdeveloped areas of Pakistan. The ongoing insurgency has led to frequent attacks targeting Pakistani security forces, government establishments, and Chinese infrastructure projects in the region.

Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by land area, covers nearly 44% of the country’s total territory but has a sparse population. It shares borders with Iran and Afghanistan and is home to the strategically significant Gwadar deep-sea port, a crucial part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

As the 48-hour deadline approaches, tensions remain high, with both the Pakistani government and the international community closely monitoring the situation. The fate of the hostages remains uncertain, as authorities deliberate their next move to end the standoff.