A major security crisis unfolded in Pakistan as Baloch separatist rebels hijacked a passenger train, taking over 100 people hostage. The incident occurred on Tuesday when armed militants from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) seized control of the Jafar Express, which was travelling from Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, to Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Train Hijacked, Passengers Taken Hostage
According to Pakistani media outlet Dawn, the hijackers attacked the train between Pehro Kunri and Gaddal. Pakistan Railways official Muhammad Kashif reported that the train had nine coaches and was carrying approximately 500 passengers. Among them, over 100 have been taken hostage by the rebels. Reports from Reuters confirm that six security personnel responsible for guarding the train were killed during the attack.
The BLA has claimed responsibility for the hijacking, stating that the hostages are now under their control. Shahid Rind, spokesperson for the Balochistan government, said that the militants stormed the train while firing indiscriminately and later moved it inside Tunnel No. 8 in a mountainous region. In response, the Balochistan provincial government has issued a "high alert."
Possible Military Response
With many military personnel reportedly onboard, speculation is rising that the Pakistani army might launch a rescue operation. However, the BLA has issued a warning that any such attempt could result in the execution of hostages.
The Balochistan Conflict
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest and most resource-rich province, has been a hotspot for insurgency. Separatist groups such as the BLA and the Baloch Nationalist Army (BNA) accuse Islamabad and Beijing of exploiting Balochistan’s natural wealth, particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). They claim that Baloch resources are being looted while the local population remains marginalized.
The Pakistani military and the Frontier Corps have long been accused of human rights violations, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings in the region. Historically, Balochistan was an independent princely state known as Kalat, which gained freedom from British rule on August 11, 1947. However, on March 27, 1948, the Pakistani army forcibly annexed the region, marking the beginning of Balochistan’s ongoing struggle for autonomy.
Appeal for International Support
Baloch leaders have repeatedly sought international intervention. Prominent nationalist leader Abdul Qadeer Baloch, often referred to as the "Gandhi of Balochistan," previously urged India to support their cause, similar to its role in Bangladesh’s 1971 liberation. He also called on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to highlight Pakistan’s suppression of Balochistan on global platforms.
With tensions at an all-time high, all eyes are now on how the Pakistani military responds and whether the standoff will escalate into further bloodshed.
