The Jaffar Express, traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, was hijacked on Tuesday, endangering the lives of approximately 400 passengers. The train, which has long been a target of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), was seized near the rugged terrain of Gudalar and Piru Kunri. In response, Pakistani security forces launched an intense operation, killing at least 16 separatists and successfully rescuing 104Â passengers.
Train Hijacking Near Sibi-Bolan Border
The incident occurred when armed militants stopped the train inside a tunnel in a remote area along the Sibi-Bolan border. The attackers, linked to the BLA, critically injured the train driver and wounded several passengers. As the situation escalated, security forces swiftly mobilized to counter the threat and ensure the safe evacuation of passengers.
During the gunfight, security personnel managed to rescue 104 individuals, including 58 men, 31 women, and 15 children. These rescued passengers were then transported to the town of Mach in Balochistan’s Kachhi district via another train. Meanwhile, security forces intensified their efforts to free the remaining hostages, who were believed to have been taken into the nearby mountains by the assailants.
Security Response and Ongoing Operations
Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind confirmed that earlier in the day, security forces had successfully evacuated 80 passengers, including 43 men, 26 women, and 11 children. The operation continued as the attackers attempted to split into smaller groups to evade capture. However, authorities managed to surround the tunnel, preventing the militants from escaping.
Heavy gunfire and explosions were reported from the area, as security personnel pursued the militants under challenging conditions. Local hospitals were on high alert to provide immediate medical aid to the injured. Reports indicated that four to five government officials were also on board the train when the attack occurred, though their status remained unclear.
Railway Services Disrupted
In response to the terrorist attack, Pakistan Railways temporarily suspended all train services connecting Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan. Emergency help desks were established at Quetta and Peshawar railway stations to assist and update concerned families. The hijacked train was part of the recently resumed service between Quetta and Peshawar, which had been suspended for over a month and a half due to security concerns.
This hijacking follows a similar attack in November 2023, when a suicide bombing at Quetta railway station claimed 26 lives and injured 62 others, leading to the suspension of train services. The repeated targeting of railway infrastructure underscores the ongoing security challenges in the region.
Balochistan’s Ongoing Insurgency
Balochistan has been a hotbed of unrest for decades, driven by long-standing grievances, economic neglect, and allegations of human rights violations. Many Baloch nationalists have opposed the region’s incorporation into Pakistan since 1948, citing political marginalization and economic exploitation. Despite the province’s vast natural resources, local communities have seen little economic benefit, further fueling discontent.
Militant groups like the BLA, which has been accused of receiving support from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), have repeatedly carried out attacks against security forces and infrastructure. These groups demand greater autonomy or independence and continue to pose a significant security threat in the region.
As the situation develops, Pakistani authorities remain engaged in operations to rescue the remaining hostages and eliminate the militant threat. The attack on the Jaffar Express highlights the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect critical transport routes and civilian lives in Balochistan.
With a passion for news writing and a deep interest in Journalism, Bowrna wants to write articles that create an impact. Not only writing, she also has a passion for voiceovers and also aspires to become a Radio Jockey in the future. When not writing, she likes to listen to songs and dance to her heart's content. She is proficient in English, Tamil and Hindi.
Comments