KKN Gurugram Desk | In a significant update regarding the train hijacking incident in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, the Pakistani Army has released an official statement on the operation that led to the rescue of hostages. According to the army, all hostages held by the militants have been safely freed, although four of their soldiers lost their lives in the operation. This event has raised major concerns about the growing insurgency in the region, particularly related to the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), the group responsible for the attack.

The hijacking occurred on March 11, 2025, when militants from the BLA ambushed a train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar. The attack involved the use of explosives to derail the train, after which the militants took the passengers hostage. The army acted swiftly, conducting a rescue mission that led to the successful recovery of the hostages and the death of 33 insurgents. This article provides detailed insights into the events, the military’s response, and the ongoing tensions in Balochistan.

The Train Hijacking Incident: Timeline of Events

On March 11, 2025, at around 1:00 PM, a group of militants from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) attacked a train on the Bolan Pass railway track in the Balochistan region. The train, named Jafar Express, was carrying approximately 400 passengers across nine carriages from Quetta to Peshawar. The attackers used explosives to derail the train, making it an easy target for the hijackers.

After successfully derailing the train, the BLA militants took control of the train and took hostages, including both passengers and personnel from the Frontier Corps—a paramilitary force stationed in the region. Reports suggest that the hijackers initially killed 21 passengers and four soldiers, further escalating the violence of the situation.

Pakistani Army’s Response: Hostage Rescue Operation

Once the hijacking took place, the Pakistani military immediately launched a full-scale rescue operation. The military’s response was swift, involving the army, air force, special forces, and Frontier Corps. According to Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif, the spokesperson for the Pakistani Army, security forces managed to eliminate all 33 militants involved in the hijacking and successfully freed the hostages.

In an interview with a local news channel, Dunya News, Lieutenant General Sharif mentioned, “All terrorists were neutralized, and all the hostages were safely rescued by the evening of March 13, 2025. The operation was completed successfully despite challenges.”

The rescue operation took longer than expected due to the militants using the hostages as human shields. In addition to this, the attackers were reportedly in contact with their operatives in Afghanistan, which raised concerns about the cross-border support these insurgents received.

Baloch Liberation Army’s Role in the Hijacking

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack, announcing that they had hijacked the train and killed six security personnel. The group issued a statement warning that if the Pakistani military took any action, they would kill all the hostages. This stark warning intensified the urgency of the military’s rescue efforts.

The BLA has long been an active separatist group in the Balochistan region, seeking independence from Pakistan. The group is banned in Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Their violent actions have been a point of contention in the ongoing struggle for Balochistan’s autonomy. Over the past year, there has been an escalation in attacks in the region, with insurgent activity on the rise. In November 2024, a suicide bomber attacked Quetta Railway Station, killing 26 people and injuring 62 others, highlighting the growing instability in the region.

The Aftermath of the Hijacking

The hijacking has drawn attention to the increasing frequency and intensity of militant attacks in Balochistan. The insurgency in the region has been a longstanding issue, with Baloch separatists accusing the Pakistani government of exploiting Balochistan’s resources while denying the local population basic rights and autonomy.

As part of the aftermath of the hijacking, the Pakistani authorities are likely to increase military presence in Balochistan. This could include further operations against insurgent groups like the BLA, whose members are believed to be operating from both within Pakistan and across the border in Afghanistan.

Rising Insurgent Activity in Balochistan

The recent train hijacking incident is part of a broader trend of escalating violence in Balochistan. The region has witnessed several violent incidents in recent months, as insurgent groups continue their fight for autonomy and independence. The BLA’s claim of responsibility for the hijacking is not an isolated incident. There have been various attacks on military and civilian targets, including train bombings, suicide bombings, and ambushes. These attacks have raised concerns about the safety of passengers traveling through the region.

The growing instability in Balochistan has led to the suspension of several train services in the past. In response to the recent attacks, it is likely that the Pakistani authorities will adopt stronger security measures to protect both passengers and personnel traveling through the province. However, given the difficult terrain and the presence of insurgents in the area, securing the region remains a significant challenge for the Pakistani military.

Cross-Border Insurgency and Afghan Connection

A major concern raised by the Pakistani Army regarding the recent hijacking is the apparent link between the BLA and insurgents across the border in Afghanistan. According to the army’s statement, the militants were in contact with their Afghan-based supporters during the operation. This suggests that the insurgents are not only local but also have connections to international factions, complicating efforts to neutralize the threat.

Pakistan has long accused Afghanistan of harboring insurgents who operate in its border regions, particularly in Balochistan. While the Afghan government has denied these allegations, the presence of insurgents with cross-border support continues to be a point of contention between the two nations.

The Role of Pakistani Security Forces

In response to the hijacking, Pakistan’s military forces, including army, air force, and special forces, were actively involved in the rescue operation. The swift and effective response by the military was crucial in preventing further loss of life. However, despite their efforts, the cost was high, as four soldiers from the Frontier Corps lost their lives in the rescue mission.

The operation to free the hostages was challenging due to the complex tactics employed by the militants, who used hostages as human shields. Additionally, the insurgents’ ability to communicate with their overseas associates raised concerns about the level of foreign involvement in these attacks.

Implications for Balochistan’s Stability

The increasing frequency of insurgent activities in Balochistan has raised serious concerns about the region’s long-term stability. The Balochistan Liberation Army, along with other separatist groups, continues to challenge the Pakistani state, and their violent tactics are causing considerable distress in the province.

Pakistan’s government and military will likely increase their operations to combat these insurgents, but the ongoing unrest in Balochistan presents a complex and difficult challenge. The lack of a clear resolution to the political and economic grievances of the Baloch people further complicates efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.

The train hijacking in Balochistan is a stark reminder of the ongoing insurgency in the region. The quick response by the Pakistani military ensured the safe release of the hostages, but the loss of soldiers and the growing threat of Baloch separatist groups highlight the challenges faced by Pakistan in securing this volatile region. As insurgent activity intensifies, it remains to be seen how the Pakistani government will address the root causes of the unrest and work toward a sustainable resolution for the people of Balochistan.

This incident is also a reminder of the broader geopolitical issues that impact the region, including cross-border insurgency and the complex dynamics between Pakistan and Afghanistan. As the situation continues to evolve, both local and international stakeholders will need to closely monitor developments in Balochistan to understand the implications for regional stability and security.