Balochistan Train Hijacking Ends in Tragedy: 21 Passengers And four Soldiers Dead as Pakistani Army Rescues Hostages

On March 11, 2025, the Jaffar Express, a passenger train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar with approximately 440 passengers, was hijacked by militants in Balochistan province. The attackers, identified as members of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), used explosives to derail the train near the mountainous terrain of Gudalar and Piru Kunri, approximately 160 kilometers from Quetta. They then seized control of the train, taking hundreds of passengers hostage.

The BLA, a separatist group seeking greater autonomy for the Balochistan region, claimed responsibility for the attack. They demanded the release of Baloch political prisoners and threatened to execute hostages if their demands were not met. The militants reportedly segregated passengers based on their regional backgrounds and targeted security personnel and specific individuals.

In response, Pakistani security forces launched a large-scale rescue operation involving hundreds of troops, special forces, and air support. The rugged terrain and the militants' use of suicide vests among the hostages complicated the rescue efforts. After intense fighting that lasted over a day, the military successfully ended the standoff, killing all 33 militants and rescuing the remaining hostages. Tragically, 21 passengers and four paramilitary soldiers lost their lives during the ordeal.

The incident has drawn national and international attention to the ongoing insurgency in Balochistan. The region, rich in natural resources, has long been a site of conflict, with separatist groups like the BLA accusing the central government of exploiting local resources without fair distribution of benefits to the Baloch people. This attack marks a significant escalation in the tactics employed by the insurgents, highlighting the persistent challenges faced by Pakistani authorities in maintaining security and addressing the grievances of the Baloch population.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the families of the victims. He praised the security forces for their swift action in rescuing the hostages and reiterated the government's commitment to combating terrorism and addressing the underlying issues in Balochistan.

The hijacking of the Jaffar Express serves as a stark reminder of the volatile situation in Balochistan and underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to address the region's socio-economic and political challenges.