On the morning of March 10, 2025, a shocking and brutal attack unfolded as Baloch militants hijacked the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express, an iconic passenger train that operates between Quetta and the northwestern city of Peshawar. The train, carrying over 450 passengers, was en route through the rugged terrains of Balochistan when militants associated with the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) intercepted it, creating one of the most dire hostage crises in recent years. The militants launched their assault on the train, resulting in several fatalities, and held the passengers captive for hours, sparking a tense standoff with security forces.
The Attack Unfolds
The Jaffar Express, a critical means of transportation connecting Balochistan to the rest of the country, was abruptly diverted by the militants, who overpowered the train’s crew and took control of the locomotive. The train had just passed the remote town of Sibbi when the hijackers, armed with assault rifles and explosives, stormed the coaches, terrifying passengers and crew alike. It is reported that some of the militants began shooting indiscriminately, killing at least a dozen people and injuring dozens more.
The armed group swiftly moved to secure the train, taking control of the cabins and locking down any potential escape routes for the passengers. As the hijackers declared their intent to hold the hostages, the situation escalated quickly. The Pakistani authorities were alerted, and an operation was launched to free the hostages.
Hostage Crisis and Deadly Clashes
The situation soon turned into a life-threatening standoff. The militants, who have long demanded greater autonomy for Balochistan and the cessation of military operations in the province, were not willing to release their captives without gaining significant political concessions. According to eyewitness reports, several hostages, including women and children, were forced to stay in cramped train cars, enduring both physical and emotional distress. The militants reportedly issued threats, warning that anyone attempting to intervene would face severe consequences.
A rescue operation was mounted by Pakistan’s paramilitary forces, with snipers positioned along the tracks and specialized teams preparing for a high-risk extraction. However, the militants’ position remained fortified, and the exchange of fire intensified, leading to even more casualties. According to sources close to the investigation, the militants used the passengers as human shields, making the rescue operation all the more difficult.
In the early afternoon hours, a full-scale gunfight erupted between the Pakistani military and the BLA militants. During this exchange, several militants were reported killed, though the number of casualties on both sides remains unclear. Tragically, the toll on the passengers also mounted, as more lives were lost in the crossfire.
The Role of Baloch Militants
The Baloch Liberation Army, a militant separatist organization, has been a thorn in the side of the Pakistani government for years, pushing for independence for Balochistan. This province, rich in natural resources, has long been at the center of disputes involving local autonomy, human rights violations, and the control of these resources by the central government. The BLA has carried out numerous attacks in the past, targeting military installations, security personnel, and infrastructure, often using guerrilla tactics.
However, this hijacking marks a new level of escalation, as the militants have now targeted civilians in an effort to further their political goals. Analysts suggest that the attack on the Jaffar Express is part of a broader strategy to internationalize the Baloch cause, showcasing the militants’ ability to strike civilian targets with devastating consequences. The timing of the attack also coincides with increased scrutiny of Balochistan’s situation by international human rights organizations and governments.
Government Response
The Pakistani government, while condemning the attack, has vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and injuries of innocent civilians, offering condolences to the families of the victims. He further emphasized that the government would not negotiate with militants, calling the hijacking an “act of terrorism.”
Security forces have been on high alert since the incident, conducting raids across Balochistan and the surrounding areas in search of remaining militants who may have participated in the hijacking. The government has also vowed to accelerate efforts to address the underlying issues of Balochistan, which have fueled years of resentment and unrest in the region.
The Aftermath
By late afternoon, after several hours of intense conflict and negotiations, Pakistani forces managed to regain control of the train, freeing the remaining hostages. The rescue operation was hailed as a success, although it came at the cost of many lives.
The attack on the Jaffar Express has sent shockwaves through Pakistan, highlighting the continuing unrest in Balochistan and the complex dynamics of militancy in the region. While authorities are working tirelessly to secure justice, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing struggle for peace in a region plagued by separatist movements and militant violence.
As the investigation continues, it is clear that the attack on the Jaffar Express is yet another chapter in the volatile and dangerous history of Balochistan, one that demands both immediate and long-term solutions to prevent further bloodshed and foster stability in the region.