Bolan, Pakistan (March 11, 2025) — In a harrowing incident, militants from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the Jaffar Express passenger train in the Bolan district of Balochistan province on Tuesday, taking hundreds of passengers hostage and reportedly using women and children as human shields, according to officials. ​apnews.com

The train, carrying approximately 450 passengers, was en route from Quetta to Peshawar when militants detonated explosives on the tracks, forcing it to halt inside Tunnel No. 8. The attackers then opened fire, leading to intense clashes with security personnel on board. ​KTVZ

Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind condemned the incident as “an act of terrorism,” noting that the rugged terrain of the area complicates rescue efforts. ​

The BLA, which has waged a longstanding insurgency seeking independence for Balochistan, claimed responsibility for the attack. They allege to have taken 214 hostages, including military and police personnel, and have demanded the release of their imprisoned militants within 48 hours, threatening to execute the hostages and destroy the train if their demands are not met. ​

Security forces have launched a rescue operation, reportedly rescuing at least 104 passengers, including women and children, while engaging in firefights that resulted in the deaths of 16 insurgents. ​

The attack has drawn widespread condemnation. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif denounced the assault, while U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for the immediate release of the hostages. ​

Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest and least populated province, has been a hotspot for separatist violence. The BLA has previously targeted security forces and infrastructure, including a suicide bombing at Quetta’s main railway station in November that killed 26 people. ​

The situation remains tense as security forces continue their efforts to secure the safe release of the remaining hostages.