Pakistan Train Hijack: 150+ Passengers Rescued

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

• A passenger train in Pakistan was hijacked, carrying 425 passengers.
• Security forces rescued over 150 passengers and killed 27 terrorists. This rescue operation was crucial.
• The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the train hijack.
• The BLA demands the release of political prisoners, threatening to kill hostages if demands aren’t met.
• Emergency desks have been set up at Quetta and Peshawar railway stations by the government.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Security forces are conducting a rescue operation to save hostages after a passenger train was hijacked in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group, has claimed responsibility for hijacking the Jaffar Express, which was en route to Peshawar from Quetta on Tuesday. This train hijack has caused widespread concern.

As of Wednesday morning, at least 155 passengers have been rescued, while 27 terrorists were killed by security forces amid the ongoing operation. This rescue operation required careful planning.

The BLA, which seeks independence for the Balochistan province, announced that it was currently holding 214 hostages and had killed at least 30 security personnel, figures yet to be confirmed by Pakistani authorities.

The militant group has also threatened to start executing them, reports Reuters news agency.

On Tuesday, militants opened fire on the Jaffar Express, carrying 425 passengers in nine bogies, while it was passing through the Mashkaf tunnel near the mountainous terrain of Gudalar and Piru Kunri.

Before hijacking the train, the insurgents blew up the railway track, forcing it to a halt in the remote area. This action led to the train hijack.

Rana Dilawar, a senior police official, said the “train is still on the spot and the armed men are holding passengers” as of Wednesday morning. He added that helicopters and additional forces have been deployed with the security operation.

On its part, the Baloch Liberation Army has demanded the release of political prisoners, activists, and missing persons allegedly kidnapped by the military within 48 hours. It has threatened to execute hostages, including Army personnel, and “completely destroy” the train if their demand was not fulfilled within the specified deadline. The BLA is seeking independence for Balochistan.

A security source told Reuters news agency that of the 425 passengers on board the Jaffar Express, 80 were military personnel. Another source added that 17 of the rescued 104 passengers were taken to hospital for treatment as they were injured.

Pakistan Railways have set up an emergency desk at the Peshawar and Quetta Railway stations as frantic relatives and friends try to get some information about their loved ones on the train.

In October last year, Pakistan Railways announced the restoration of train services between Quetta and Peshawar after a nearly two-month suspension.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack. He acknowledged the ongoing operations against the terrorists and highlighted that security forces were effectively countering the attackers.

President Asif Ali Zardari also strongly condemned the incident and said, “Attacks on innocent citizens and passengers are inhumane and heinous acts. Those who attack passengers are against Balochistan and its traditions.”

On his part, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said, “The beasts who fire on innocent passengers do not deserve any concessions.”

Authorities have imposed emergency at the Sibi hospital, as well as the Civil Hospital Quetta. Health Department spokesperson Waseem Baig said that “all consultants, doctors, pharmacists, staff nurses, and paramedical staff have been summoned” in the wake of the hijacking incident.

The latest incident comes as Balochistan has witnessed an uptick in terrorist attacks over the past year. In November 2024, at least 26 people were killed and 62 injured after a suicide blast ripped through the Quetta Railway Station. The Balochistan region has been unstable for some time.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• The Jaffar Express was attacked, carrying 425 passengers.
• Security forces rescued over 150 passengers and killed 27 terrorists. This train hijack highlights security concerns.
• The Baloch Liberation Army has claimed responsibility for this train hijack.
• The BLA is demanding the release of political prisoners, threatening to kill hostages.
• The government established emergency desks at Quetta and Peshawar stations, assisting families affected by the rescue operation.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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