“On March 11, 2025, the Jaffar Express was hijacked by Balochistan Liberation Army militants in Balochistan province. Pakistani security forces have rescued 190 hostages, with operations ongoing to free the remaining captives.”
On March 11, 2025, the Jaffar Express, en route from Quetta to Peshawar with over 450 passengers, was hijacked by militants from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) in Balochistan province. The assailants detonated explosives on the tracks, derailing the train within a tunnel, and subsequently opened fire, resulting in multiple casualties. The BLA claimed responsibility, stating the attack was in retaliation against Pakistan’s perceived occupation and mistreatment of Balochistan.
In the ensuing standoff, Pakistani security forces launched a rescue operation, successfully freeing approximately 190 hostages and killing 30 militants. However, around 214 passengers remain captive, with reports indicating that some militants are equipped with suicide vests, complicating rescue efforts. The BLA has issued a 48-hour ultimatum, demanding the release of imprisoned militants and threatening to execute hostages if their conditions are not met.
The Pakistani government has condemned the attack, labeling it an act of terrorism, and has vowed to take decisive action to resolve the crisis. The situation remains tense as negotiations and military operations continue into the second day. 