120 Passengers Held Hostage Amid Armed Attack in Balochistan
Quetta, March 11, 2025 – The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has launched a major armed attack in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, hijacking a passenger train and taking 120 hostages, including security personnel. According to reports, six Pakistani soldiers have been killed, and several others have been injured in the assault.
The passenger train, Jaffer Express, was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar when it was attacked and seized by BLA militants between Pehro Kunri and Gaddar. The attack has triggered a state of emergency in the region, with authorities struggling to reach the site due to rugged terrain and security risks.
Heavy Gunfire and Emergency Declared in Quetta
The Balochistan government spokesperson, quoted by Dawn News, confirmed that the attack took place in a remote area, making immediate rescue operations difficult. Heavy gunfire erupted between militants and security forces, leading to six fatalities among Pakistani soldiers.
In response to the crisis, authorities have:
🔴 Declared a state of emergency in Quetta and surrounding areas.
🔴 Activated emergency protocols in hospitals, instructing all doctors and nurses to report immediately for duty.
🔴 Mobilized security forces, but access to the attack site remains a challenge due to the mountainous landscape.
The Pakistani military and intelligence agencies are closely monitoring the situation as they attempt to establish communication with the hijacked train.
Train Hijack: Over 500 Passengers Onboard, 120 Held Hostage
The Jaffer Express had nine coaches, carrying at least 500 passengers at the time of the attack. The BLA militants reportedly stopped the train at Tunnel No. 8, forcing their way inside with heavy weapons.
According to reports, the hijackers specifically targeted security personnel onboard, claiming to have taken 120 hostages, including:
✔ Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) operatives
✔ Pakistan Army soldiers
✔ Police officers
✔ Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF) personnel
The BLA has threatened to execute all hostages if the Pakistani military intervenes, intensifying fears of escalating violence.
BLA’s Statement: Hostage Crisis and Warning to Pakistan
The Baloch Liberation Army has issued a public statement, taking responsibility for the attack and declaring their intentions clear:
⚠ 120 hostages taken, including Pakistani military and intelligence officials.
⚠ Women, children, and Baloch passengers have been released.
⚠ Any military action will result in immediate execution of the hostages.
The BLA has long been engaged in an armed insurgency against Pakistan, demanding independence for Balochistan and opposing the Pakistani military’s control over the region. This high-profile attack signals an escalation in their insurgent operations, posing a serious national security threat to Pakistan.
Pakistani Government’s Response: Crisis Management Underway
The Pakistani government and security forces are under immense pressure to respond to the hijacking without escalating the crisis. The situation is particularly sensitive given the threat to execute hostages if a military operation is attempted.
Key government actions so far:
✔ Top officials in Quetta are coordinating an emergency response.
✔ Security forces are assessing possible rescue operations.
✔ Authorities are trying to open negotiations with the militants.
✔ Military reinforcements have been put on standby.
The international community is closely watching the situation, as Pakistan’s handling of this crisis will have major security and geopolitical implications.
Escalating Baloch Insurgency: A Major Threat to Pakistan’s Stability
The Balochistan insurgency has been a long-standing challenge for Pakistan’s security establishment, with Baloch separatist groups like the BLA consistently targeting Pakistani military installations, infrastructure, and government personnel.
Why Is the BLA Increasing Attacks?
🔹 Decades of conflict: The BLA has been fighting against Pakistan’s rule over Balochistan, citing human rights violations and military oppression.
🔹 Economic tensions: Baloch separatists oppose large-scale Chinese investments in the region, particularly under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
🔹 Retaliation against Pakistani military operations: The Pakistani army has conducted numerous offensives in Balochistan, further fueling resentment and insurgency.
The hijacking of Jaffer Express represents one of the most high-profile attacks in recent years, demonstrating the BLA’s increasing boldness and operational capabilities.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
