Pakistan Passenger Train Hijacked: Baloch Rebels Take Hundreds Of Passengers Hostage

On March 11, 2025, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the Jaffar Express, a passenger train filled with approximately 400 travelers. The train, which was making its way from Quetta to Peshawar, became the latest target in a series of audacious strikes by the BLA, a group that has long been fighting for independence in the resource-rich province of Balochistan.

Claiming responsibility for the hijacking, the BLA issued a bold statement, asserting their desire for separation from Pakistan. Designated as a terrorist organization by both the United States and Pakistan, the BLA has been entrenched in a decades-long insurgency, driven by grievances over the exploitation of Balochistan's abundant oil and mineral wealth.

Commenting on the event, BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch said that "the hostages will be killed if Pakistani forces launch an operation."

"Any military incursion will be met with an equally forceful response. So far, six military personnel have been killed, and hundreds of passengers remain under BLA custody. The Baloch Liberation Army takes full responsibility for this operation," the BLA spokesperson said, adding that women, children, and Baloch passengers will be released.

Jeeyand Baloch further stated that the operation is being carried out by the BLA Majeed Brigade Fateh Squad and Special Tactical Operations Squad (STOS).

In response to the escalating situation, Shahid Rind, spokesperson for the Balochistan government, announced that emergency measures have been imposed and all institutions have been mobilized to deal with the situation.