Wed Mar 12 04:06:00 UTC 2025: ## 155 Hostages Rescued After Gunfight Following Train Hijacking in Pakistan
**QUETTA, Pakistan –** Pakistani security forces rescued 155 hostages, including dozens of women and children, following an overnight gun battle with rebels from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) who hijacked the Jaffar Express train. The train, carrying approximately 400 passengers, was ambushed in a remote tunnel while traveling from Quetta to Peshawar.
The BLA, a separatist group seeking independence for Balochistan, claimed responsibility for the attack. They initially demanded the release of Baloch political prisoners within 48 hours, threatening to destroy the train and execute hostages if their demands weren’t met. They also blew up the train tracks, halting the train and killing the locomotive driver.
While 155 hostages have been rescued and transported to a makeshift hospital in Mach, the fate of the remaining passengers remains unclear. The BLA claims to have killed 30 soldiers, a claim that hasn’t been independently verified by authorities. Security forces reported that some rebels escaped into the mountains with hostages, while others were holding the locomotive. The mountainous terrain is hampering rescue efforts.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly act” during the holy month of Ramadan and vowing to continue fighting terrorism. Emergency desks have been set up at Peshawar and Quetta railway stations to assist families of the passengers.
The incident comes amidst ongoing tensions in Balochistan, with recent months seeing deadly clashes and alleged enforced disappearances of civilians. This attack follows a November suicide bombing at Quetta railway station that killed 26 people. The Jaffar Express route had only recently resumed operations after a month-long suspension. The situation remains fluid, with security forces continuing their pursuit of the remaining rebels.
First Piper 