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Jaffar Express Hijack: A group called the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the Pakistan Railways’ Jaffar Express train on Tuesday (March 11, 2025). The group claimed responsibility for taking all 100 passengers hostage in Balochistan. 6 Pakistani soldiers have also lost their lives in the incident.
The group issued a statement claiming that they have taken control of the train and said that six military personnel have been killed, while more than 100 passengers have been taken hostage. The separatist group said that it stopped the train by planting explosives on the railway track. The incident took place when the Jaffar Express was going from Quetta in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province to Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The BLA is banned by both the US and Pakistan and is also accused of killing innocent civilians from other provinces. The BLA issued a statement threatening that if Pakistani security forces launch a military operation, they would kill all the hostages. The group has also claimed to have killed six army personnel during the operation. The authorities have not yet issued any official statement about the incident.
20 Pakistani army personnel killed
BLA claimed that 182 people have been held hostage for the last 6 hours. So far 20 Pakistani army personnel have been killed in the operation.
Pakistani army started air operation
Pakistani army is conducting air operation along with ground operation. During this, helicopters and drones are being used.
Women, children and Baloch civilians released
BLA has claimed that women, children and Baloch civilians have been freed. While 182 people including Pakistani army, police, ISI and ATF personnel are still held hostage. Not only this, BLA has once again threatened that if the army takes part in this operation, all the hostages will be killed. Pakistani army will be responsible for these deaths.
182 people taken hostage, 11 soldiers killed
BLA has claimed that 182 people have been taken hostage after hijacking Jaffar Express. So far 11 soldiers of the Pakistani army have been killed. Not only this, BLA fighters have also shot down a drone. So far BLA has completely captured the train.
BLA is demanding a separate Balochistan
Many separatist groups are active in Balochistan. Among them is the Baloch Liberation Army. This is a separatist organization, which is demanding independence of Balochistan. This organization was founded around 2000. BLA has been continuously targeting the Pakistani Army and projects running with China in Pakistan.
Pakistan has declared it a banned organization. Apart from this, many western countries including America, UK have also declared it a terrorist organization. BLA is currently commanded by Bashir Zeb.
How was the train hijacked?
The Jaffar Express was going from Quetta in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province to Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at around 9 am. There were about 450 passengers in it. Baloch fighters stopped the train near the Balon Pass tunnel. Here they first blew up the track. After this, when the train stopped, the fighters opened fire. BLA claims that during this time 6 Pakistani security personnel were also killed. After this, the train was taken over and the passengers were taken hostage.
Firing continues from both sides
According to the report of Balochistan Post, Pakistani security forces have tried to run a rescue operation, but BLA fighters are continuously firing. After a fierce conflict, Pakistani soldiers were forced to retreat.
Terrorists released some hostages
It is being told that the terrorists have released some of the people they had taken hostage. The passengers released include women, children and Baloch citizens. At the same time, more than 100 Pakistani soldiers and Punjabi citizens are still hostages.
Pakistan government maintains silence
Pakistan government has maintained silence on the train hijack. According to sources, there are a large number of ISI agents and Pakistani army soldiers in the train. Due to their being held hostage, the Pakistan government has maintained silence till now. (Input- Vishal Pandey)
Train driver injured in firing, firing between security officials and attackers
The train driver was injured in the firing by a group of armed men on the Quetta-Peshawar Jaffar Express. The firing incident took place in Peru Kanri area of Kach district. Pakistan’s news channel Geo News quoted sources as saying that the attackers blew up the railway track and later opened fire on the train carrying passengers. He said that after the attack, there was heavy firing between the security officials present in the train and the attackers.
Officials are facing difficulty in reaching the spot
The railway controller said, “The train was stopped by armed men in tunnel number 8. Efforts are being made to contact the passengers and staff.” Due to the rocky terrain, officials are facing difficulties in reaching the spot.
What did the Balochistan government say about the train hijack?
Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said in a statement, “There were reports of heavy firing between Pehro Kunri and Gadalar on the Jaffar Express train going from Quetta to Peshawar.” Meanwhile, Railway Controller Muhammad Kashif said that about 500 passengers were travelling in this nine-coach train.
Emergency declared in Quetta’s Civil Hospital
After this incident, emergency has been declared in Quetta’s Civil Hospital. The train had a total of 9 coaches and more than 500 passengers were travelling in it.
Government gave instructions to take emergency measures
On Tuesday (March 11, 2025), there were reports of firing on a Peshawar-bound train in Balochistan, after which the provincial government directed local authorities to take emergency measures.
