Pakistan Jaffar Express terror attack as train hijacked with over 100 passengers taken hostage
A train with 450 passengers on board has been hijacked in Pakistan in a suspected ‘terror attack’.
The train driver was seriously injured when an armed group started firing on the Jaffar Express train when it was close to the Dhadar Paniyar Railway Station in Quetta. The train is thought to have been travelling from Quetta in the centre of the country to Peshawar in the north.
Local media reported that the incident is ongoing, with railways officials adding that a number of passengers were injured during the raid. There were 450 passengers in the nine coaches of the train.
There are concerns that the gunmen – who boarded as it passed through a tunnel – may have taken control of the train and taken passengers hostage.
On social media, a group called the Baloch Liberation Army shared a statement claiming responsbility for the hijacking, adding they now had “100 Pakistani Forces personnel in our custody”. The claims have not yet been confirmed by officials.
They said they had released women, children and members of the public, and are now only holding members of the Pakistani military, police, anti-terror agents and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The organisation threatened that if the “occupying forces” tried to carry out a military intervention, they would execute all of the hostages.
The group operates from safe havens across southern Afghanistan and stages incursions into Balochistan in Pakistan, which borders the country. Their aim is to remove Balochistan from Pakistani sovereignty.
The Pakistani military reportedly carried out a ground and air offensive to rescue the passengers. Witnesses also reported seeing drones hovering overhead.
Police have rushed to the scene and an emergency has been declared at the Civil Hospital Sibi and Dhadar nearby to provide medical assistance to the injured.
Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind told Samaa.tv that the train was attacked in a remote area, which has made it difficult for security forces and rescuers to access.
“Emergency has been imposed in Sibi Hospital, and ambulances have been dispatched to assist the injured,” he said.
The spokesperson said: “The government has directed emergency measures, and all institutions are mobilized.”
The full statement from the Baloch Liberation Army reads: “The Baloch Liberation Army has carried out a strategic operation in Mashkaf, Dhadar, Bolan, seizing control of the Jaffar Express by derailing it.
“During the resistance, six military personnel were killed, while over 100 passengers have been taken into BLA custody. Among the hostages are active-duty personnel from the Pakistani military, police, Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF), and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)—all of whom were traveling to Punjab on leave.
“The BLA issues a stark warning that if the occupying forces attempt any military intervention, all hostages will be executed. During this operation, BLA fighters have released women, children, and Baloch passengers, ensuring that all remaining hostages are serving personnel of the occupying forces.
” The mission is being led by the BLA’s Fidayeen Unit, Majeed Brigade, with full operational support from Fateh Squad, STOS, and our intelligence wing Zirab. Jeeyand Baloch, spokesperson for the Baloch Liberation Army Date: 11 March 2025″
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