TRAIN HIJACKING IN PAKISTAN: HOSTAGES HELD AS RESCUE OPERATIONS CONTINUE

An Emirati Magazine publication – Released on March 12, 2025 | www.emiratimagazine.com

The hostage crisis aboard a hijacked train in southwest Pakistan has entered its second day, with attackers wearing suicide vests sitting among passengers, complicating rescue operations. The Jaffar Express was ambushed on Tuesday as it traveled from Quetta to Peshawar, with militants detonating a railway track before opening fire.

So far, Pakistani security forces have rescued 155 passengers, while efforts continue to free those still held captive. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which claimed responsibility, has threatened to execute hostages unless Baloch political prisoners and missing persons are released within 48 hours.

According to the BLA, 214 people remain in captivity, though security sources reported that 27 militants have been killed. Survivors arriving in Quetta recounted the chaos, with eyewitness Muhammad Ashraf stating, “Passengers were attacked, some were injured, and others lost their lives.” Security forces have urged civilians to stay low amid ongoing gunfire.