Baloch Army Hijacks Train: On Tuesday, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) carried out a high-profile attack by hijacking the Jaffar Express in Pakistan. The militant group has issued an ultimatum demanding the release of its imprisoned fighters within 48 hours. The incident occurred at approximately 1 PM in the Mashkaf area of Bolan district, Balochistan.
The Attack and Hijacking
The Jaffar Express, which departed from Quetta at 9 AM and was scheduled to reach Sibi at 1:30 PM, was attacked in a hilly terrain known for its difficult passage. The train was passing through Mashkaf, an area filled with 17 tunnels that force the train to slow down, providing the BLA an opportunity to strike.
BLA militants blew up the railway track in tunnel number-8, causing the train to derail. Once the train stopped, the militants opened fire, injuring the train driver and killing 30 Pakistani soldiers who were traveling to Punjab.
The passengers on board included active-duty personnel from the Pakistan Army, police, Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF), and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Civilians, women, children, and Baloch passengers were released, but security force personnel were held hostage.
Timeline of the Incident
| Date & Time | Event Description |
|---|---|
| 9:00 AM (Tuesday) | Jaffar Express departs from Quetta heading towards Peshawar. |
| 1:00 PM | BLA attacks the train near Mashkaf, Bolan district by blowing up track in tunnel number-8. |
| 1:30 PM | Train derails; BLA fighters begin firing, killing 30 soldiers. |
| Afternoon | Pakistan Army launches ground and aerial response. |
| 10:00 PM | Train remains under BLA control; 214 passengers held hostage. |
| Next 48 hours | Deadline set by BLA for release of Baloch prisoners. |
Military Response and Ultimatum
Upon learning of the attack, the Pakistani military initiated a ground and aerial response. However, despite bombings and gunfire, the BLA successfully retained control of the train. Attempts to send reinforcements via another train failed.
The BLA released a statement declaring that their fighters from the Fidayeen Unit and Majeed Brigade, supported by Fateh Squad, STOS, and Jirab Intelligence Wing, are leading this operation. The BLA has stated that the hostages are considered prisoners of war. The group has given the Pakistani government 48 hours to release Baloch prisoners or face dire consequences.
Background of the Conflict
The Baloch Liberation Army has been fighting for an independent Balochistan for decades. The group claims that the Pakistani government and China are exploiting Balochistan’s natural resources without adequate benefits for the local population.
Balochistan was annexed by Pakistan in 1948, and many in the region believe that they were forcefully incorporated against their will. The BLA, which emerged in the 1970s, has intensified its insurgency in recent years.
Previous Attacks on Jaffar Express
This is not the first time the Jaffar Express has been targeted. On February 16, 2023, a bomb blast occurred on this train near Chichawatni railway station, killing two people. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for that attack.
In another incident on November 14, 2024, 26 people were killed in an explosion at Quetta railway station. The BLA claimed responsibility for the attack, highlighting the ongoing conflict between the group and the Pakistani state.
Pakistan’s Terrorism Crisis
Pakistan ranks second in the Global Terrorism Index
According to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) report of 2025, Pakistan ranks as the second most terror-affected country in the world. The report emphasizes that 90% of Pakistan’s terrorist incidents occur in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
The report identifies the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as the most dangerous terrorist organization in Pakistan, responsible for 482 attacks and 558 deaths in 2024 alone. However, the BLA continues to assert its influence in Balochistan with high-profile attacks like this one.
What is Balochistan Liberation Army?
Many people in Balochistan believe that after the India-Pakistan partition, they wanted to live as an independent country. But they were included in Pakistan without their consent. This did not happen, due to which the struggle between the army and the people in Balochistan continues even today.
According to BBC, there are many organizations demanding independence in Balochistan but the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) is the most powerful organization. This organization came into existence in the 70s but its influence has increased in the 21st century.
BLA wants to liberate Balochistan from the Pakistani government and China. They believe that they have a right over the resources of Balochistan. The Pakistan government included the Balochistan Liberation Army in the list of terrorist organizations in 2007.
ByNews-View
The hijacking of the Jaffar Express by the Baloch Liberation Army has once again brought attention to the escalating insurgency in Balochistan. With the Pakistani government given a strict 48-hour deadline, tensions are at an all-time high. How the government responds to this crisis could have far-reaching implications for Pakistan’s national security and stability.
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