Military operation ends train hijacking in Pakistan with 33 separatists and 21 hostages killed

A large-scale military operation brought an end to a train hijacking in southwestern Pakistan, in the Baluchistan province, after more than 24 hours of tension. The clash, pitting the Pakistani Army against militants from the Baluchistan Liberation Army (BLA), concluded with the deaths of 33 separatists and 21 hostages, alongside the rescue of hundreds of passengers. The attack, which began on Tuesday, March 11, marked a new chapter in the region’s long history of separatist unrest, fueled by its vast natural resources. The train, identified as the Jaffar Express, was carrying over 400 passengers from Quetta to Peshawar when it was targeted in a remote, mountainous area.

The hijacking commenced with the detonation of railway tracks, followed by heavy gunfire directed at the locomotive. Armed and determined, the militants seized control of the train near a tunnel in the Bolan district, demanding the release of Baloch political prisoners in exchange for the hostages. The presence of suicide bombers among the passengers complicated the initial response from security forces, who adopted a cautious approach to minimize casualties. Throughout the standoff, helicopters and hundreds of soldiers were deployed, while local authorities placed nearby hospitals, such as those in Sibi, approximately 160 kilometers from Quetta, on high alert.

The standoff concluded in the early afternoon of Wednesday, March 12, Brasília time—nighttime in Pakistan. Military spokesperson Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry announced that all 33 attackers had been neutralized, and the remaining hostages were successfully rescued. Described as “prolonged, intense, and daring,” the operation highlighted the challenges posed by the rugged terrain and the militants’ tactics. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the attack, labeling it a terrorist act aimed at destabilizing the nation.

How the Jaffar Express attack unfolded

The Jaffar Express departed Quetta, the capital of Baluchistan, on Tuesday morning, bound for Peshawar—a journey spanning over 1,600 kilometers and lasting about 30 hours. Roughly three to four hours into the trip, between the Pehro Kunri and Gadalar areas in Bolan district, the militants executed their plan. They first blew up the tracks, forcing the train to halt inside a tunnel, then opened fire on the locomotive, injuring the driver and killing onboard guards, though their exact numbers remain undisclosed. The assault was swift and coordinated, with the BLA claiming responsibility almost immediately.

Estimates from a security source suggest that between 70 and 80 militants took part in the attack. The group claimed to have captured 214 hostages, including military personnel and security agents traveling on leave, and threatened to execute five individuals per hour unless their demands were met. By Tuesday night, Pakistani forces freed 190 passengers, many of them women and children. The remaining hostages stayed under separatist control until Wednesday’s final operation, when the Army launched a decisive assault, eliminating the attackers and rescuing the survivors.

Explosives and the threat of suicide bombers hampered negotiations and military intervention. The BLA released a video showcasing the attack, reinforcing their narrative of resistance against the Pakistani government. Although they claimed to have executed 50 hostages in retaliation, the Army confirmed only 21 passenger deaths, without specifying whether these occurred during the initial assault or subsequent executions. The rescue effort concluded with the deployment of a special train carrying coffins and medical teams to the site.

Details of the Baluchistan rescue operation

The Pakistani Army’s response to the hijacking involved a massive mobilization. Hundreds of troops, backed by helicopters and special forces, were dispatched to the mountainous Bolan region, where the rugged landscape hindered access and communication. Initially, the strategy focused on hostage safety, avoiding direct confrontation while the militants held suicide bombers among the passengers. On Tuesday night, the first phase of the operation liberated 190 people, who were transported to the nearby Mach station.

Wednesday saw an escalation as the BLA intensified its threats, demanding the release of Baloch political prisoners within 48 hours. Hours later, the group announced the alleged execution of 50 hostages, though the official count reported by the Army was lower. The final operation, launched in the early afternoon, involved a coordinated assault that killed all 33 militants. The military spokesperson emphasized that no civilians died during this phase, attributing the success to the armed forces’ precision. Rescued hostages were sent for medical treatment in Mach and Quetta, while the bodies of the deceased began their journey back to their hometowns.

Logistical efforts included deploying ambulances and a special train with coffins, underscoring the severity of the situation. Baluchistan, accustomed to insurgent attacks, witnessed an unprecedented escalation with this incident—the first time the BLA had hijacked a passenger train. While authorities hailed the operation as a model of efficiency, it also raised questions about the security of railway routes in the region, often used by military personnel and civilians amid rising separatist violence.

Context of the Baluchistan conflict

Baluchistan, Pakistan’s largest yet least populous province, has been a hotspot for decades-long insurgencies led by groups like the Baluchistan Liberation Army. Rich in oil, gas, and minerals, the region hosts strategic projects such as the Gwadar port, part of the $62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), linked to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. However, the local Baloch population claims marginalization and exploitation, accusing Islamabad’s central government of neglecting their needs while extracting the province’s resources.

With an estimated three thousand fighters, the BLA seeks greater autonomy or independence for Baluchistan, frequently targeting security forces and foreign projects, including those backed by China. In recent years, the group has escalated its actions, employing tactics like suicide bombings and abductions. Last November, a bomb at Quetta’s railway station killed 26 people, while in February this year, seven Punjabi workers were murdered after being pulled from a bus. The Jaffar Express hijacking reflects this surge, described by analysts as a “serious challenge” to Pakistan’s security.

Bordering Iran and Afghanistan, Baluchistan’s location adds complexity to the conflict. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan’s Taliban government of sheltering BLA leaders, while tensions with Iran persist over cross-border militant groups like Jaish al-Adl. In January 2024, the two nations exchanged airstrikes against insurgent targets, killing 11 people, but de-escalated through talks. The 900-kilometer porous border facilitates militant movement, exacerbating regional instability.

Timeline of the Jaffar Express hijacking

Here’s a timeline of the key events during the train hijacking in Pakistan:

• Tuesday, March 11, morning: The Jaffar Express departs Quetta with over 400 passengers headed to Peshawar.
• Tuesday, around 12 p.m. (local time): BLA militants blow up the tracks and attack the train in Bolan district, killing the driver and guards.
• Tuesday, afternoon: The group seizes control, takes 214 hostages, and demands the release of Baloch prisoners within 48 hours.
• Tuesday, night: Pakistani forces free 190 hostages in the operation’s first phase.
• Wednesday, March 12, morning: BLA threatens to kill five hostages per hour; clashes kill 30 militants.
• Wednesday, early afternoon (Brasília time): Final operation eliminates 33 separatists and rescues remaining hostages; 21 passenger deaths confirmed.

This timeline captures the rapid escalation and military response that resolved the standoff in under two days.

Repercussions of the attack in the region

The Jaffar Express hijacking triggered immediate reactions domestically and internationally. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed tough action against terrorism, while Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi branded the militants “enemies of the state.” China, with thousands of workers in Baluchistan tied to projects like Gwadar, condemned the attack through Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, reaffirming its support for Pakistan’s anti-terrorism efforts. The BLA has previously targeted Chinese nationals, including an October attack in Karachi that killed two workers.

Within Pakistan, the incident exposed vulnerabilities in Baluchistan’s transport routes, considered among the last safe options after months of highway attacks. Rescued passengers recounted moments of terror, with some hiding under seats during the assault. Survivor Muhammad Tanveer described the lack of food and reliance on bathroom water to survive until the Army arrived. The injured are receiving treatment in local hospitals, while the deceased are being identified and returned to their families.

Analysts suggest the BLA’s focus on civilians could erode its popular support. Syed Muhammad Ali, an Islamabad-based security expert, noted that, failing to inflict significant damage on military targets, the separatists are shifting to softer targets like passenger trains, potentially alienating the Baloch population they claim to represent. Though successful, the military operation does not address the conflict’s root causes—poverty and economic exclusion—that continue to fuel the insurgency.

Impacts on Pakistan’s security and economy

Violence in Baluchistan directly affects Pakistan’s economy, particularly international projects. The CPEC, encompassing Gwadar port and mines like Reko Diq, operated by Barrick Gold, relies on regional stability. In 2024, militant attacks in the province surged by over 80%, resulting in more than 320 deaths, according to the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies. The Jaffar Express hijacking heightens investor fears, already wary amid rising insecurity.

Key facts highlighting Baluchistan’s situation:

• The province is rich in gas, oil, and minerals but suffers from high poverty rates.
• The BLA has conducted at least 15 attacks on non-Baloch workers in 2024.
• The group is estimated to have around three thousand fighters.
• Chinese projects, like Gwadar port, are frequent separatist targets.

Military reliance on railways, due to unsafe roads, has made trains strategic targets for insurgents. The Jaffar Express attack reinforces perceptions that parts of Baluchistan are becoming ungovernable, challenging government plans to integrate the province into the trade corridor with China.

Survivor accounts and victim support

Survivors of the hijacking shared tales of fear and relief. Muhammad Bilal, among those rescued, described the ordeal as terrifying, emphasizing the difficulty of evading armed militants. Allahditta, 49, was released due to a heart condition but witnessed passengers in panic hiding during the attack. Post-rescue, the Army provided food, water, and protection, transporting survivors to stations like Mach and Quetta.

Relatives of passengers endured hours of anguish seeking updates. One man, whose brother-in-law was on the train, attempted to reach the site but faced blocked roads. Hospitals in Sibi and Mach are treating the injured, while a train carrying coffins was dispatched to Bolan, reflecting the scale of the losses. Authorities are arranging transport for the rescued to their hometowns, though limited details about victims keep many families in limbo.

The provincial government pledged assistance to survivors, with the bodies of the deceased being identified and handed over to relatives. The presence of women and children among the hostages has stirred public sentiment, increasing pressure for measures to prevent future attacks. Despite the operation’s success, the hijacking remains a stark reminder of Baluchistan’s fragile security.