On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, armed militants from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) launched a brutal attack on the Jaffar Express train, which was en route from Quetta to Peshawar, resulting in chaos and uncertainty for over 400 passengers on board. The attack, which occurred around 1 p.m. local time (08:00 GMT), involved the militants blowing up the railway tracks just before the train entered the Bolan Pass, causing it to come to a sudden halt as they stormed the vehicle.
The BLA claimed to have taken control of the train and, reports indicated, had taken at least 214 hostages, which included military personnel. Pakistani officials have disputed this figure, stating 104 passengers were rescued, with 17 requiring medical attention for injuries sustained during the assault. Official sources confirmed the death of six Pakistani military personnel during the ambush.
According to security sources, the militants targeted the Jaffar Express as it passed through the rugged, mountainous terrain close to Sibi, about 160 kilometers (100 miles) from Quetta. Following the attack, the driver was reportedly injured, and many passengers panicked, hiding beneath their seats as the situation escalated. Among the rescued, nearly 70 passengers made their way to the nearby Panir railway station, approximately six kilometers from the incident, traveling on foot.
Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack as barbaric, declaring, "The beasts who fire on innocent passengers do not deserve any concessions." He assured the public of the government's commitment to responding forcefully to the hostage situation.
The BLA had previously warned against militarized rescue efforts, threatening to execute hostages if their demands for the release of Baloch political prisoners were not met within 48 hours. The group has declared its intention to hold the Pakistani government accountable for the alleged abduction of Baloch activists and insisted on the immediate release of these individuals.
Despite the volatile situation, the military has engaged with the militants, with helicopters and special forces deployed to stabilize the area and combat the threat posed by the insurgents, who have been known to employ women and children as human shields. Progress has been hampered due to the treacherous environment and the lack of mobile service, complicting communications and response efforts.
The BLA, seeking independence for Balochistan, has conducted numerous attacks over the years against government and security personnel, claiming significant casualties on several occasions. Recently, there has been a surge of violence within the region, with militant activities on the rise linked to long-standing grievances, including economic disparities and perceived neglect from Islamabad.
Analysts attribute the BLA's increasing capability to enhanced access to weaponry, observed failure on the part of the Pakistani state to curb its influence, and the historical erosion of political processes in Balochistan. The province is rich in natural resources yet consistently ranks as one of the poorest regions per capita, fuelling longstanding frustrations among its populace.
Further complicity lies with the backdrop of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) investment projects, which, according to local communities, have exploited Balochistan's resources for the benefit of outside interests. The BLA has directly targeted Chinese investments, leading to heightened tensions not only within Pakistan but also with neighboring countries.
Throughout the day of the attack, families of the passengers anxiously awaited updates at railway stations, with many seeking information on loved ones who had been unreachable due to the disruptions. Local railway officials and police struggled to convey accurate updates as they coordinated rescue efforts and responded to the crisis.
Reports have detailed the aftermath of the attack highlighting fears among locals and activists, who worry about potential retaliation from security forces amid the chaos and confusion of the rescue efforts. Hospitals across the region remain on high alert, ready to treat those affected as the situation continues to develop and escalate.
Finally, the Jaffar Express incident symbolizes the acute instability and conflict within Balochistan, underscoring the pressing need for dialogue between the government and local communities to resolve grievances, restore order, and address the violence perpetuated by separatist groups like the BLA. The current crisis serves as another stark reminder of the challenges facing the region as it grapples with the intersecting crises of militancy, security, and political disenfranchisement.