Pakistani security forces remain locked in a tense standoff with armed militants who hijacked a passenger train in Balochistan, holding approximately 250 hostages. The confrontation, which began on Tuesday, has already led to the deaths of at least 30 insurgents, with efforts ongoing to rescue the remaining captives.
The hijacking occurred when militants intercepted the Jaffar Express, carrying around 500 passengers, near a mountainous tunnel in the Bolan region. The armed group, identified as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), claimed responsibility for the attack and has made demands related to greater autonomy for Balochistan.
By late Wednesday, security forces had successfully freed 190 passengers, but roughly 250 individuals remain trapped in the train under militant control. Authorities have refrained from an all-out assault due to the presence of suicide bombers among the insurgents, making the rescue operation significantly more challenging.
Security officials report that around 50 heavily armed militants orchestrated the attack, blowing up sections of the railway track before storming the train. Gunfire exchanges between the forces and insurgents have been ongoing, with reinforcements deployed, including special forces and aerial support.
Meanwhile, authorities are negotiating to avoid further casualties. Intelligence reports suggest that the BLA intends to use civilian hostages as leverage, further complicating the military’s response.
China has strongly condemned the hijacking, reiterating its support for Pakistan’s counter-terrorism measures. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated, “We stand firmly with Pakistan in its fight against terrorism and will continue to support its security efforts.”
Other international leaders have also expressed concerns over the safety of the hostages and called for the swift resolution of the crisis.
Balochistan, a resource-rich but politically volatile region, has been a hotspot for separatist movements. Insurgents have long accused the central government of exploiting local resources while providing little economic development in return.
The BLA, one of the most prominent armed separatist groups, has carried out multiple attacks targeting infrastructure and security forces. However, analysts warn that shifting their focus to civilian targets, as seen in this hijacking, could undermine their broader support base among the Baloch population.
Passengers who have been rescued describe moments of terror as militants stormed the train, shooting at security personnel and passengers alike. Survivors report hearing explosions and gunfire as they sought shelter inside the train coaches.
“I thought it was the end. People were screaming, and there was gunfire everywhere,” said one rescued passenger. “Some of us hid under the seats, praying for our lives.”
Those freed have been taken to hospitals for medical treatment, with several reported to have sustained injuries. Families anxiously await news of their loved ones still trapped inside.
Pakistani authorities have declared a full-scale operation to neutralize the remaining militants and safely extract the hostages. Security forces are employing advanced tactical measures to minimize casualties, but the situation remains delicate due to the presence of explosive devices and heavily armed insurgents.
A senior security official confirmed, “We are committed to rescuing every hostage. However, our priority is to avoid unnecessary loss of life. The terrorists have positioned suicide bombers near the captives, which has made the operation significantly more complex.”
As the standoff continues, Pakistan faces growing pressure to bring the crisis to a swift and safe resolution while addressing the underlying tensions fuelling insurgency in the region. Authorities remain hopeful that a combination of force and strategic negotiation will lead to the safe release of the remaining hostages.
The nation watches closely as this high-stakes operation unfolds, with hopes pinned on a successful resolution that ensures the safety of civilians while curbing further insurgent activity in the troubled province of Balochistan.
