On March 11, 2025, the Jaffar Express, a train carrying 400 passengers from Quetta to Peshawar, was hijacked by armed militants in a tunnel near Gudalar and Piru Kunri, located in the rugged terrain of Balochistan province, Pakistan. The incident, which occurred in the afternoon, saw the train intercepted by militants from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group that has been waging a violent campaign for greater autonomy for the Baloch people.

Details of the Attack

The BLA militants quickly seized control of the train, taking 214 passengers as hostages. As security forces closed in, a gun battle ensued, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 terrorists. Security forces successfully rescued 104 hostages, including 58 men, 31 women, and 15 children, who were later sent to Mach, a town in Kachhi district, Balochistan. The militants, however, took some of the remaining passengers into the mountains, with security forces still engaged in ongoing operations to free them.

The attack has escalated tensions in an already volatile region, where such incidents are common due to the longstanding separatist insurgency. Pakistan Railways had resumed services between Quetta and Peshawar after a month-and-a-half suspension due to previous security concerns.

BLA’s Demands and Ultimatum

The Balochistan Liberation Army has claimed responsibility for the attack and has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Pakistani government, demanding the unconditional release of Baloch political prisoners in exchange for the remaining hostages. The group referred to Pakistan as an "occupying state" and described the hostages as prisoners of war, citing international law.

The BLA has requested the immediate release of not only Baloch political prisoners but also those who have been forcibly disappeared and national resistance activists. In their statement, they made it clear that if their demands are not met, the situation could worsen, increasing the pressure on the Pakistani government.

Rescue Operations and Security Response

The Pakistani security forces have surrounded the tunnel area and continue to conduct search operations to rescue the remaining passengers. Intense gunfire and explosions were reported near the tunnel, creating a chaotic and dangerous situation for both security forces and the hostages. The district police officer in the area mentioned that some women and children had been taken hostage, heightening concerns about the safety of vulnerable passengers.

As the BLA militants break into smaller groups to escape, security forces have intensified their efforts to contain the situation and prevent any further casualties. The Pakistan Railways has also set up an emergency desk at the Peshawar and Quetta railway stations to provide information to concerned families and ensure coordinated rescue efforts.

Implications of the Incident

This train hijack is just the latest chapter in the ongoing conflict between the Baloch nationalist insurgents and the Pakistani state. Balochistan has long been a center of unrest, with insurgent groups like the BLA fighting for greater political autonomy and control over the region’s resources. The BLA’s attack on the Jaffar Express underscores the severity of the conflict and its impact on innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.

The Pakistani government has yet to publicly respond to the BLA’s ultimatum, and it remains to be seen how this crisis will unfold. The hostage situation and the growing pressure from separatist groups have made it clear that Balochistan’s turmoil remains a significant challenge for Pakistan’s security forces.

As rescue operations continue and further details emerge, all eyes are on Pakistan's next steps in dealing with this complex and dangerous crisis. The outcome of the standoff will likely have far-reaching consequences for both the security situation in Balochistan and the broader political landscape of Pakistan.

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