Pakistan Train Hijack: 11 Killed, 104 Rescued in Daring Operation

An unprecedented and terrifying hostage situation unfolded on Tuesday as militants attacked the Jaffar Express in a remote part of Balochistan, holding over 400 passengers hostage, including a substantial number of security personnel.

Despite the logistical challenges posed by the rugged terrain, security forces swiftly launched a large-scale operation in the Dhadar area of the Bolan Pass. At least 16 attackers were killed during the ongoing military response.

While official reports on the total number of casualties remain unclear, sources confirmed that at least 11 people, including the train driver, lost their lives in the attack. Officials added that more than 100 passengers, including women and children, had been rescued from the clutches of the militants. The hostages were reportedly taken into the treacherous Bolan mountain range by the attackers.

The exact nature of the rescue operation remains under scrutiny. It's uncertain whether the freed passengers were rescued during a direct military assault or if they were released by the assailants during negotiations. Security officials have remained tight-lipped about operational details to avoid compromising the ongoing rescue efforts.

The hijacking marks a historical first for Pakistan, as it is the first known attempt by militants to hijack an entire train and its passengers. The banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the assault, asserting that it had captured numerous hostages and released some, including women and children. However, independent verification of these claims is pending.

The train, which had departed Quetta for Peshawar at approximately 9:00 a.m., was ambushed near the Mushkaf Tunnel between Paneer and Peshi railway stations at around 1:00 p.m. Armed militants fired rocket-propelled grenades and small arms at the locomotive, forcing the train to halt. The driver was critically injured, and a fierce firefight ensued between the attackers and security forces. Reports indicate that several security personnel were killed during the initial attack.

Following the ambush, the militants separated into smaller groups and took control of the train. They systematically checked passengers' identities, taking some as hostages and fleeing into the surrounding mountains. To further complicate the situation, the attackers sabotaged the railway tracks with explosives, hindering rescue efforts.

Imran Hayat, the Divisional Superintendent of Railways in Quetta, confirmed that at least 11 people had died in the attack, including the driver and eight security personnel. Rescue operations continued with extra caution, given the ongoing threat to hostages' lives.

Security forces successfully rescued 104 passengers, including 58 men, 31 women, and 15 children. They were transported to the nearby Paneer railway station and evacuated to Mach station. Emergency protocols were activated at the Sibi Hospital, and additional security personnel were dispatched to assist in the rescue operation.

At the time of the attack, 450 passengers were aboard the train, including over 200 security personnel. An estimated 750 people were originally booked on the Jaffar Express, though not all boarded.

Balochistan's provincial government declared an emergency, and heightened security measures were implemented throughout the region. "The scale of the attack and the potential involvement of terrorist elements are being carefully assessed," said Shahid Rind, spokesperson for the provincial government.

Pakistan's Minister of State for Interior, Talal Chaudhry, condemned the attackers, describing them as "cowards" who target soft and vulnerable victims. He reassured the public that security forces were taking utmost care to protect the hostages during the operation.

Condemnations and National Reactions
President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the attack, praising the security forces for their prompt and decisive action. "Such inhumane and cowardly acts have no place in our society," he said in a statement. "Those who target innocent civilians, including the elderly and children, are enemies of Balochistan and its values."

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the attack, lauding the bravery of Pakistan's security forces. "We will bring these terrorists to justice and ensure that their vile actions are met with a swift and decisive response," he said. "This attack during the holy month of Ramzan reflects the terrorists' total disregard for humanity, religion, and the values of Pakistan and Balochistan."

Sharif vowed that the fight against terrorism would continue until all terrorist threats in the country were eradicated. "Our security forces and the entire nation stand united in the face of this cowardly assault," he added.