Pakistan’s security forces are engaged in a “complex operation” against separatist fighters who attacked the Jaffar Express on Tuesday. The train was en route from Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, to Peshawar when it came under assault near Sibi, approximately 160 km (100 miles) from Quetta.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group seeking independence for Balochistan, has claimed responsibility for the attack. According to security sources, militants targeted the train as it passed through tunnels in the rugged Bolan Pass.
While the operation continues, authorities confirmed that a group of passengers managed to escape and reach the Panir railway station, about 6 km (4 miles) from the attack site. Rana Farrukh, a Pakistan Railways official in Quetta, stated that nearly 70 passengers, including women, children, and elderly reached the station on foot, according to an Al-Jazeera report.
The train, carrying over 400 passengers, left Quetta at 9 AM (04:00 GMT) on a 30-hour journey to Peshawar, stopping at multiple stations across the country. The attack occurred around 1 PM (08:00 GMT) as the train moved through British-era tunnels in the Bolan region.
Who Claimed Responsibility? How Has the Government Responded?
The BLA, known for previous attacks in the province, claimed responsibility, stating they had killed at least six security personnel and destroyed a section of the railway track, forcing the train to stop. The group warned that any military retaliation would have “severe consequences.”
The Pakistani military has yet to issue an official statement, but provincial government spokesperson Shahid Rind confirmed that hospitals in Sibi have been placed on high alert to handle any casualties. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack, calling for strict action against those targeting civilians.
Casualties and Current Situation
Despite hospitals in Quetta and Sibi being on high alert, there were no immediate reports of injured passengers reaching medical facilities by late Tuesday. Security sources reported that the attackers were using women and children as human shields, complicating efforts to launch a full-scale offensive.
Authorities also warned of misinformation being spread online to create panic among the public.
Why Has Balochistan Seen a Surge in Attacks?
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but least developed province, has long been a hotspot for conflict. Despite its rich mineral resources, the local population has frequently clashed with the state, accusing the government of neglect and repression.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a $62 billion mega-development project, has intensified tensions. The BLA has repeatedly attacked Chinese interests in the region, including Gwadar Port, a key CPEC project.
Violence has escalated in recent months. In February, a BLA attack in Kalat killed at least 18 soldiers. In March, a female suicide bomber targeted security personnel in the same city.
The Jaffar Express itself has been attacked multiple times. Last year, militants blew up a section of its track, suspending service for two months. In November, a suicide bombing at Quetta’s railway station killed at least 30 people, including security forces, just before the train’s departure.
As the security operation continues, authorities remain on high alert, determined to neutralize the attackers and prevent further violence in the region.
27 militants shot dead, 155 passengers rescued
Meanwhile, Security forces have successfully rescued at least 155 hostages and neutralized 27 terrorists who hijacked the Jaffar Express in Balochistan’s Bolan district. Officials have vowed to continue the operation until all remaining militants are eliminated.
The train, carrying 400 passengers across nine bogies, was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar on Tuesday when a group of terrorists seized control, taking passengers hostage, according to security forces.
Operations are still underway to rescue the remaining captives, as some of the terrorists—some wearing suicide vests—are using passengers as human shields, security sources revealed. Due to the high-risk situation, security forces are proceeding with extreme caution.
One of the freed passengers expressed gratitude for the military’s swift action. “There was gunfire, but by the grace of Allah, the army and FC personnel brought us to safety,” he said.
Following the attack, railway officials announced a three-day suspension of the Bolan Mail and Jaffar Express services from Quetta. Additionally, the Quetta-to-Chaman passenger train has not yet departed.
