In a brazen attack on March 11, 2025, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the Jaffar Express train in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. The militant group claimed to have taken over 180 hostages, but Pakistani authorities refuted this, stating that nearly 350 passengers were safe, with 35 reportedly captured.
Incident Overview
The Jaffar Express, en route from Quetta to Peshawar, was attacked while passing through a tunnel in the Bolan district. Insurgents detonated explosives on the tracks, derailing the train and initiating gunfire with onboard security personnel. The BLA claimed responsibility, stating they had taken 182 hostages, including military personnel, and threatened execution if security forces intervened.
Conflicting Hostage Reports
Pakistani authorities contested the BLA’s claims. Rana Dilawar, a senior district police officer, reported that approximately 350 passengers, including women and children, were rescued, with 35 individuals unaccounted for. He stated, “Around 350 passengers, including women and children, are saved, and a relief train will be reaching the area where the train was attacked.”
Ongoing Security Operations
In response to the hijacking, Pakistani security forces launched a comprehensive operation, deploying helicopters and special forces to the region. The rugged terrain and limited communication infrastructure have posed challenges to the rescue efforts. An explosion was heard near the tunnel, and security forces exchanged fire with militants in the mountainous area.
BLA’s Ultimatum and Threats
The BLA issued a 48-hour ultimatum, demanding a prisoner exchange and threatening to execute hostages and destroy the train if authorities failed to meet their demands. The group claimed it had killed 30 military personnel during the attack, though Pakistani authorities have yet to confirm this. The BLA warned, “If the military continues its intervention, we will execute all hostages.”
Background on the Baloch Liberation Army
The BLA is a separatist militant group seeking independence for the Balochistan province, which borders Afghanistan and Iran. The mineral-rich region has been a hotspot for insurgent activities, with the BLA targeting Pakistani security forces and infrastructure projects, including those linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Recent Escalations in Balochistan
Balochistan has witnessed a surge in militant activities in recent months. In January 2025, the BLA claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a Pakistani army convoy near Turbat, resulting in 47 security personnel deaths and over 30 injuries. Additionally, the group released footage showcasing a series of attacks against Pakistani forces in various regions of Balochistan. These incidents underscore the escalating insurgency in the province.
Government’s Stance and Response
Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, condemned the train hijacking, stating, “The beasts who fire on innocent passengers do not deserve any concessions.” The government has vowed to intensify military operations against Baloch armed groups in response to the escalating violence.
International Implications
The hijacking has drawn international attention to the ongoing conflict in Balochistan. Pakistan has urged the United Nations Security Council to take global action against the BLA and its factions, citing their militant activities as significant threats to regional security. The attack also raises concerns about the safety of infrastructure projects in the region, particularly those linked to international investments.
The Jaffar Express hijacking highlights the persistent challenges posed by separatist insurgencies in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. While authorities dispute the BLA’s hostage claims, the incident underscores the volatile security situation in the region. As security forces continue operations to rescue the remaining passengers and apprehend the militants, the international community watches closely, concerned about the broader implications for regional stability and security.
