In a shocking incident in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, armed militants launched an attack on the Jaffar Express Train, which was transporting hundreds of passengers from Quetta to Peshawar. The attack, attributed to the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), involved gunfire and the laying of explosives on the tracks, resulting in casualties and hostages taken. Military sources confirmed the situation, indicating that security forces and helicopters were dispatched to the area to assist in rescue operations.
Details of the attack
The BLA claimed responsibility for the assault, stating that they bombed the railway track before storming the train in the remote Sibi district. Reports suggest that at least three individuals, including the train driver, sustained injuries during the attack. A government spokesperson from Balochistan described the scene as one of “intense firing,” and a senior police official mentioned that the train remains immobilized just before entering a mountain tunnel.
Ongoing rescue efforts
As the situation unfolds, military officials confirmed that over 100 army personnel were traveling on the train at the time of the incident. The BLA has issued a warning against any rescue attempts, threatening “severe consequences” for those who may try to intervene. Meanwhile, the railway controller in Quetta reported that between 400 to 450 passengers were booked on the train, although the exact number of hostages remains unverified.
In a glimmer of hope, some passengers managed to escape, with at least 60 individuals reportedly disembarking the train and making their way to the nearest railway station, Panir. Local sources indicated that a number of women and children were among those who fled and were attempting to reach Sibi. Families of the remaining passengers are anxiously seeking information, as communication with those on board has been cut off due to the area’s lack of internet and mobile network coverage.
“We have not been able to contact my father,” said Muhammad Ashraf, whose father was on the train. “We are relying on officials for updates.”
Balochistan, despite being Pakistan’s largest province and rich in natural resources, suffers from significant underdevelopment and ongoing security challenges. The BLA has been engaged in a protracted insurgency for independence, frequently targeting critical infrastructure such as police stations and transportation routes.