Jaffar express hijack: 190 passengers rescued, 30 militants killed; What are terrorists demanding?

A major terrorist attack shook Balochistan's Bolan district on Tuesday when armed militants hijacked the Jaffer Express train, taking over 400 passengers hostage, including several security personnel. According to state media, security forces have successfully rescued 190 passengers so far and have neutralized 30 militants. The rescue operation continues into its second day as authorities strive to free the remaining hostages.

The attack occurred close to the Mach Tunnel, about 157 kilometers from Quetta. The train, which had about 450 passengers, was attacked by militants of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), who later took responsibility for the attack. Security sources indicate that 70 to 80 terrorists armed with heavy weapons carried out the attack, first by detonating railway tracks to stop the train before they attacked.

Rescue efforts and casualties

Swift action from security forces led to the successful rescue of 190 hostages, including women and children. Among them, 37 injured passengers have been hospitalized, while 57 individuals have been relocated to Quetta for safety. Officials confirm that 30 terrorists were killed during the confrontation, but a significant number of hostages remain under militant control.

The attackers are reportedly in constant contact with their Afghan allies. Intelligence reports indicate that several of the hostages have been fitted with explosive vests and transformed into human shields, making rescue operations more difficult. The authorities are acting cautiously to prevent loss of innocent passengers' lives.

BLA's demands and ultimatum

The BLA has given its terms, requiring the Pakistani military to release Baloch political prisoners, activists, and missing persons, whom they alleged have been kidnapped forcibly by the Pakistani military. The group has given a 48-hour deadline, stating that if their demands are not met, the hostages will be harmed. The group also claimed that they retain possession of 200 hostages, including military and law enforcement officials.

International response and condemnation

Some of the world's major powers, such as the United States, China, the United Nations, Iran, and Germany, condemned the attack and demanded the instant release of the hostages. The United Nations has called for prompt measures to end the crisis peacefully. In the meantime, the Pakistani government has established emergency response centers and helplines for the relatives of victims on the plane.

The authorities have termed this one of the most serious terrorist attacks in the history of Balochistan. The hijacking of a train represents an unprecedented increase in militant activities in the province. Security personnel are still engaged in operations to free the remaining hostages and apprehend the perpetrators.