It’s just past midnight on March 12, 2025, here in Quetta, and the air is thick with tension after a dramatic rescue operation on the Jaffar Express. What started as a routine train journey turned into a nightmare for hundreds of passengers when separatist rebels struck in Balochistan. Over 100 hostages are now safe, but the situation remains fragile.
The Attack That Shook Balochistan
The Pakistan Train Hijack began on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, when the Jaffar Express, carrying around 450 passengers, was ambushed in the Mushqaf area of Balochistan’s Bolan district. The train was heading from Quetta to Peshawar when the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group fighting for Balochistan’s independence, claimed responsibility. They derailed the train by blowing up the railway tracks, forcing it to stop inside a tunnel. Armed militants then boarded, taking over 400 passengers hostage, including a Pakistani Army major and his wife.
- The Attack: Militants fired rockets at the train, killing the driver and halting it in a remote tunnel.
- Hostages Taken: Among the captives were 58 men, 31 women, and 15 children, with the BLA claiming to hold 214 people as “prisoners of war.”
- BLA’s Demands: The group demanded the release of Baloch political prisoners, threatening to execute hostages if their ultimatum wasn’t met within 48 hours.
The BLA’s actions reflect their long-standing anger toward the Pakistani government, which they accuse of exploiting Balochistan’s resources—like the Gwadar port—while neglecting the region’s people.
A Bold Rescue Operation
Pakistani security forces jumped into action, launching a massive counter-operation that stretched into Wednesday. By early March 12, they had rescued 155 passengers, including 26 women and 11 children, though the numbers differ slightly across reports. During the operation, 27 BLA militants were killed, and many others were injured. The rescued passengers were moved to Mach railway station, where they received medical care—37 were injured in the chaos.
- Security Response: Forces engaged in heavy gunfire, with helicopters and drones circling the area to support ground troops.
- Challenges Faced: The tunnel’s remote location and the militants’ use of suicide vests near hostages made the rescue tricky.
- Official Statements: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the attackers “beast terrorists,” while Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the military’s efforts.
Despite the rescue, the BLA claimed to still hold over 100 hostages, warning that any further military action would lead to executions. “If airstrikes don’t stop, all hostages will be killed,” said BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch.
Voices from the Ground
Survivors shared chilling accounts of their ordeal. One passenger, speaking to Times Now, described hearing screams and explosions as the train came under attack. “We walked for hours through the mountains to reach safety, leaving family behind,” they said, their voice trembling. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed “grave concern,” urging all sides to find a peaceful solution and release the remaining hostages immediately.
Social media is buzzing with reactions. Some posts on X highlight the BLA’s demands for Baloch rights, while others condemn the violence, especially during Ramadan. The crisis has sparked wider debates about Balochistan’s unrest and the government’s handling of the region.
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What This Means for Travelers and Hospitality
The Pakistan Train Hijack doesn’t just affect those on the Jaffar Express—it sends ripples through the region’s travel and hospitality sectors. With Pakistan Railways suspending all operations between Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan, travelers are stranded, and local hotels are feeling the strain. Quetta and Peshawar, key stops on the route, rely on rail travelers to fill guesthouses and eateries. This disruption could hurt small businesses already struggling in the volatile province.
Beyond economics, the incident raises safety concerns for tourists. Balochistan’s natural beauty and cultural heritage draw adventure seekers, but attacks like this make people think twice. Hotels and tour operators may need to double down on safety measures to rebuild trust, especially for international visitors who see the region as high-risk.
Final Thoughts
This crisis highlights the deep-rooted issues in Balochistan—poverty, neglect, and a sense of alienation among the Baloch people. While the government fights the BLA with force, many argue that only a political solution can bring lasting peace. For now, the fate of the remaining hostages hangs in the balance, and the world watches as this tragedy unfolds.