- Baloch separatists seize passenger train with 300 hostages near Quetta
- 18-hour standoff marks worst attack on Pakistan's rail network since 2015
- Security experts warn of rising militant activity along key trade routes
Pakistani authorities confirmed a major security operation Thursday after Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) militants hijacked the Jaffar Express traveling from Quetta to Karachi. The attack, occurring 40km southwest of Quetta, represents the largest hostage incident on Pakistan's railways in nine years. Eyewitnesses reported hearing sustained gunfire as security forces surrounded the train at 2:17 AM local time.
Intelligence sources reveal the militants demanded the release of 57 imprisoned BLA members and safe passage to Afghanistan. This incident follows a 22% increase in separatist attacks along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) routes since January 2024. Railway officials confirm the train was carrying 287 passengers and 13 crew members when armed militants boarded at Machh station.
The crisis comes three months after Pakistan secured a $2.1 billion IMF loan conditional on improving infrastructure security. Counterterrorism analyst Dr. Ayesha Malik notes: This attack exposes critical vulnerabilities in rail security despite 35% increased defense spending last fiscal year.Mobile network jamming prevented live updates during the siege, sparking nationwide protests from concerned families.
Regional Impact: Thursday's attack disrupted 78 scheduled freight trains carrying CPEC goods to Gwadar Port. The Balochistan Chamber of Commerce estimates $18 million daily losses from the blockade. This incident mirrors the 2015 Bolan Pass train ambush where 147 passengers were held hostage for 14 hours - a crisis that prompted the $640 million RailSafe security initiative now under scrutiny.
As security forces secured the final train cars Friday morning, officials confirmed 11 militant fatalities and 3 soldier casualties. All hostages were safely evacuated, though 34 require hospitalization for dehydration. The government has announced a judicial inquiry and temporary suspension of night rail services in Balochistan.