A routine train journey turned into a nightmare when armed militants hijacked the Jaffar Express in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on Tuesday. In a dramatic counter-operation, security forces eliminated 16 insurgents and rescued 104 passengers, but the battle is far from over.
The Hijack: A Chilling Ambush in the Dark
Armed militants suddenly stopped the Jaffar Express, carrying 400 passengers from Quetta to Peshawar, inside a tunnel while it was passing through the remote, mountainous region of Gudalar and Piru Kunri. Masked gunmen from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) stormed the train, seizing hostages and spreading terror.
“The militants appeared out of nowhere, firing shots and forcing their way inside the compartments. It was chaos,” a survivor recalled.
Why Did They Hijack the Train?
The BLA, a separatist group demanding independence for Balochistan, has ramped up attacks in recent years. Hijacking a passenger train wasn’t just about taking hostages—it was a brazen attempt to make a statement against the Pakistani state. The group also claimed they had captured government officials onboard, though authorities have yet to confirm this.
Inside the Rescue: A Battle in the Mountains
Pakistan’s military and security forces launched an immediate counter-operation. As gunfire erupted around the tunnel, soldiers engaged the militants in a relentless battle.
In the first wave, 80 passengers—including 43 men, 26 women, and 11 children—were pulled to safety. But the real challenge was far from over.
As night fell, militants split into small groups, attempting to escape into the rugged terrain. Security forces tightened their grip, blocking all possible exits and launching targeted strikes. By morning, security forces had killed 16 insurgents and freed another 24 passengers, bringing the total rescued to 104.
The Aftermath: Fear, Relief, and an Ongoing Hunt
Security forces transported the freed hostages to Mach, where they had converted a railway station into a temporary medical center. Eyewitnesses saw gunshots, explosions, and the constant fear of being caught in the crossfire, describing the ordeal as a scene out of a war movie.
Meanwhile, security forces are still pursuing the remaining militants, some of whom fled with hostages into the mountains. A military spokesperson declared, “We will not stop until we ensure every last passenger’s safety and neutralize every terrorist.”
Interesting Read
A Pattern of Terror: Pakistan’s Troubled Railways
This hijacking is part of a disturbing trend. In November 2024, a suicide bombing at Quetta railway station killed 26 people and injured 62, leading to weeks-long disruptions. The latest attack has once again put the spotlight on the vulnerability of Pakistan’s railway system in insurgent-dominated regions.
What’s Next?
With operations still ongoing, the Pakistani government has vowed to strengthen security along railway routes and crack down on militant hideouts. Emergency desks have been set up at major stations to assist anxious relatives searching for their loved ones.
