Balochistan, Pakistan – March 12, 2025: A deadly standoff aboard the Jaffar Express ended after a 30-hour military operation, leaving 21 hostages and four paramilitary troops dead. The crisis unfolded when heavily armed militants from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the train near the Bolan Pass, taking hundreds of passengers hostage.
The Attack and Hostage Situation
On Tuesday afternoon, the Jaffar Express was en route from Quetta to Peshawar when militants detonated explosives on the tracks, forcing the train to stop near a remote tunnel. Witnesses reported that the attackers, armed with automatic weapons and grenades, stormed the train, shooting indiscriminately and taking over 200 passengers hostage.
“The gunmen were shouting slogans and asking for Baloch prisoners to be released,” said a survivor. “They told us that anyone who resisted would be shot.”
The militants threatened to kill hostages if their demands were not met, demanding the release of their detained fighters and warning authorities against any military action.
Pakistan’s Military Response
Within hours, Pakistan’s security forces, including the Army, Air Force, and Frontier Corps, launched a high-risk rescue mission. Elite commandos surrounded the area, while drones provided surveillance to track militant movements. However, the mountainous terrain and the tunnel’s structure complicated the operation.
After tense negotiations failed, security forces stormed the train early Wednesday morning, engaging in intense firefights with the militants. Explosions and heavy gunfire echoed through the valley as troops worked to clear the train cars one by one.
Casualties and Aftermath
The military confirmed that all 33 attackers were killed in the operation. Tragically, the militants executed 21 hostages before they were neutralized. Additionally, four security personnel lost their lives in the gun battle.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, calling it “a cowardly act of terrorism.” He vowed that those responsible for planning the attack would face justice.
BLA’s Ongoing Insurgency
The Baloch Liberation Army has been waging an insurgency against the Pakistani state for decades, demanding greater autonomy for Balochistan and control over its natural resources. The province has seen numerous attacks on security forces and infrastructure, but Tuesday’s train hijacking marks one of the most daring acts of terror in recent history.
As Pakistan mourns the lives lost, security experts warn of a growing threat from separatist militants. “This attack highlights the urgent need for enhanced railway security and intelligence measures,” said defense analyst Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Asad Malik.
Survivors Recall the Horror
Many survivors remain in shock after their harrowing ordeal. “I thought I would never see my family again,” said Abdul Malik, who was on the train with his wife and children. “The terrorists had no mercy. They killed people right in front of us.”
As authorities investigate the attack, questions are being raised about how such a large-scale assault was carried out in broad daylight. The government has vowed to tighten security measures to prevent future incidents.
For now, Pakistan mourns yet another tragic chapter in its long fight against militancy.
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