On March 11, 2025, militants hijacked the Jaffar Express train in southwestern Pakistan. The train was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, carrying about 400 passengers. Armed men, linked to the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), intercepted the train in a mountainous tunnel near Gudalar and Piru Kunri. They blew up the tracks, causing the train to stop. The militants then took the passengers hostage.
Pakistan Train: Railway Official
The BLA, a separatist group fighting for Balochistan’s independence, claimed responsibility for the attack. During the assault, the driver of the train, a police officer, and a soldier were killed. Security forces responded with heavy gunfire, engaging the militants in a fierce battle. According to paramedic Nazim Farooq and railway official Muhammad Aslam, the gunfight continued at Mach railway station, where the violence escalated.
Pakistan Train: Rescue Operation
The rescue operation successfully freed 104 passengers. However, hundreds of others remained held hostage. Pakistani security forces killed at least 16 hijackers in the operation. The crisis raised alarms about the country’s counterterrorism capabilities, especially in the volatile region of Balochistan.
In response to the hijacking, emergency desks were set up at Quetta and Peshawar railway stations. They provided assistance to the families of the hostages. The attack also exposed serious vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s railway security. Passengers and the general public are now more concerned about the safety of train travel in the country.
Pakistan Train: President’s Condemned
Balochistan has experienced intense violence in recent months. There have been deadly clashes and reports of enforced disappearances allegedly carried out by state forces. The region’s instability has grown, with the BLA and other separatist groups increasing their attacks. Last November, a suicide bombing at Quetta railway station killed 26 people and wounded 62.
Pakistani officials condemned the train hijacking. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the attack an act of terror and vowed to bring the militants to justice. The United Nations also weighed in, with Secretary-General António Guterres urging the militants to release all hostages immediately.
Conclusion
Despite the success of the rescue mission, the attack highlights the ongoing security challenges in Balochistan. The militants’ ability to carry out such an attack with relative ease shows the difficulties of controlling the insurgency. The situation in Balochistan is far from resolved, and questions remain about Pakistan’s approach to counterterrorism. The country will likely need to reconsider its strategy to ensure better protection for civilians and prevent further violence. Stay informed with News Trendzs for latest and breaking world news.
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