Survivors of the harrowing train hijacking by armed militants in Pakistan’s Balochistan province have shared chilling accounts of the turmoil that unfolded aboard the Jaffar Express. More than 400 passengers were traveling from Quetta to Peshawar when the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) launched an attack, leading to panic and fear among those on board.
Survivor accounts reveal harrowing details
Ishaq Noor, one of the passengers who managed to escape, described the atmosphere as one of “doomsday scenes.” He recalled, “We held our breath throughout the firing, not knowing what would happen next.” There were reports of injuries, including that of the train driver, amidst the chaos.
Security forces have stated that they freed 155 passengers and killed 27 militants, although independent confirmation of these figures is pending. Rescue operations are ongoing, with hundreds of troops deployed alongside helicopters and special forces units.
The BLA has threatened “severe consequences” for any rescue attempts. It remains uncertain how many passengers are still being held hostage. Reports indicate that over 100 of those aboard were members of security forces, and some freed individuals were hospitalized for injuries sustained during the ordeal.
Desperate escape through the mountains
Passengers who successfully fled described the desperate measures they took to ensure safety. Muhammad Ashraf, traveling to visit family, detailed the fear that enveloped the cabin. He stated, “There was a lot of fear among the passengers. It was a scene of doomsday.” After escaping, Ashraf and others walked for nearly four hours to reach the nearest railway station, helping carry weaker individuals along the way.
Noor, traveling with his wife and two children, recounted how the initial explosion was so powerful that one of his children fell from their seat. He and his wife attempted to shield their children amidst the gunfire, sharing the instinctive need to protect their family: “If a bullet comes our way, it will hit us and not the children.”
Mushtaq Muhammad, another passenger, recalled the militants communicating amongst themselves, specifically monitoring security personnel on board. Some passengers, including women, children, and certain residents of Balochistan, were among those released on Tuesday evening, while Noor was freed after presenting himself as a local resident traveling with family.
Families of those involved, including the train driver Amjad Yasin, are anxiously awaiting news. Yasin, who has a history of surviving dangerous incidents while on duty, has left his family in distress as they seek information about his condition following reports of his injury.
The BLA has been engaged in a long-standing insurgency aimed at achieving independence, frequently targeting police and public transport systems.
In light of the incident, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan expressed its deep concern regarding the hijacking and emphasized the necessity for a political resolution to the ongoing issues in Balochistan. The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, condemned the siege and called for the immediate release of remaining captives.