A militant train attack in Pakistan’s Balochistan province has left passengers in a dire situation. Armed men from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) ambushed the Jaffar Express, which was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar. The attackers bombed the railway track before storming the train in Sibi district, a remote mountainous area. Reports suggest that the militants have taken several hostages and warned against any rescue attempts.
Security forces, including helicopters and paramilitary units, have been deployed to the scene. Pakistani police confirmed that at least three people, including the train driver, have been injured. However, the exact number of hostages remains unclear.
Train Stuck in a Mountainous Region
A Balochistan government spokesperson reported intense gunfire at the train. Security sources told local media that the train came to a halt just before a tunnel, surrounded by mountains, making the rescue operation more challenging. The lack of internet and mobile network coverage in the area has further complicated communication efforts.
Quetta railway controller Muhammad Kashif stated that between 400 and 450 passengers were aboard the train. However, authorities have not confirmed how many have been taken hostage. Some women and children reportedly disembarked and began walking toward the city of Sibi.
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BLA Warns Against Rescue Attempts
The Baloch Liberation Army has issued a threat, warning of severe consequences if security forces attempt to free the hostages. The group has a long history of insurgency in Balochistan, seeking independence for the province. Over the years, it has carried out numerous attacks on police stations, highways, and railway lines.
The Pakistani government and several Western countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, have designated the BLA as a terrorist organization. Despite crackdowns, the group continues its operations, often targeting key infrastructure.
Families Await News at Quetta Railway Station
At Quetta railway station, worried families gathered to seek information about their loved ones. Many passengers have been uncontactable since the attack. One man, Muhammad Ashraf, told BBC Urdu that his father had boarded the train for Lahore earlier in the day, but he had not been able to reach him. Officials say they have yet to establish direct communication with anyone inside the train.
Balochistan’s Longstanding Struggles
Balochistan is Pakistan’s largest and most resource-rich province, yet it remains the least developed. The region has witnessed decades of insurgency, with separatist groups like the BLA demanding greater autonomy and control over local resources.
As security forces move in and negotiations unfold, the fate of the passengers remains uncertain. The situation is developing, and authorities are racing against time to secure the hostages’ safe release.
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