A dramatic hostage crisis has unfolded in Pakistan after separatist militants from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked a passenger train.
The group has threatened to blow up the train and execute the 182 hostages still in their custody unless their demands are met.
Officials reported that the militants initially took around 400 passengers hostage but later released nearly half of them.
Militants Demand Release of Prisoners
The BLA is demanding the immediate and unconditional release of its imprisoned members.
In a statement posted on Telegram, the group warned that any military attempt to rescue the hostages would lead to their execution.
The militants claimed they had control of the train for over eight hours during armed clashes with Pakistani forces, during which they allegedly killed 30 government soldiers.
However, this claim has not been verified by authorities.
Gunfight in Mountainous Terrain
The hijacked Jaffar Express was halted inside a tunnel, and the train’s driver was severely injured in a gun battle.
Local officials confirmed an explosion near the tunnel, followed by an intense exchange of fire between security forces and the militants.
The BLA claimed to have shot down a military drone and killed an additional 20 soldiers, but Pakistani officials have not confirmed these reports.
Civilians Released, Security Personnel Among Hostages
According to the BLA, civilians—including women, children, and elderly passengers—were safely released and provided a secure route out of danger.
However, they stated that the remaining hostages include members of the Pakistan army and security officials who were traveling while on leave.
The group reiterated its threat, stating that continued military intervention would lead to the execution of all remaining captives.
Government Response and Emergency Measures
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack, vowing that the government would not negotiate with those responsible for targeting innocent passengers.
Meanwhile, emergency measures have been put in place, and authorities are struggling to navigate the challenging terrain to reach the stranded train.
A relief train has been dispatched, and security forces are actively working to regain control of the situation.
Ongoing Insurgency in Balochistan
The BLA is one of the most prominent separatist groups in Balochistan, a province rich in natural resources but long plagued by insurgency.
For decades, militants have targeted government forces, infrastructure, and Chinese interests in the region, arguing that Balochistan’s wealth is exploited by the central government without benefiting the local population.
Previous Attacks on Trains
Attacks on railway infrastructure are not uncommon in Balochistan.
In November, a separatist group carried out a suicide bombing at a train station in Quetta, killing 26 people, including security personnel and railway staff.
The province’s vast, rugged terrain has made it a stronghold for insurgent groups, complicating military efforts to curb their activities.
What’s Next?
Authorities are continuing negotiations while assessing possible rescue operations.
The situation remains highly volatile, with concerns that any wrong move could escalate into a tragedy.
Security forces are working to ensure the safe release of hostages while attempting to dismantle the separatist threat in the region.