Balochistan [Pakistan], March 11 : The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for seizing the Jaffar Express train in Balochistan on Tuesday, taking around 450 passengers and staff hostage. The train, traveling from Quetta in Balochistan to Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, came under heavy fire from the BLA, injuring the driver and forcing the crew and passengers to surrender.
In a statement, the BLA warned Pakistani authorities that they would execute the hostages if military operations against them were launched. The BLA said it had repelled a ground assault by Pakistani forces following the train’s seizure, with intense clashes resulting in Pakistani troops retreating. However, the group reported that aerial bombardment by Pakistani helicopters and drones was ongoing.
The BLA issued an ultimatum, stating that if the airstrikes did not cease immediately, all 100+ hostages would be executed within the hour. The group, which is actively engaged in countermeasures, threatened catastrophic consequences should Pakistani forces attempt to escalate the conflict further.
“Over 100 enemy personnel remain in BLA custody. The occupying forces still have a chance to cease airstrikes and save their men, or else the Pakistani military will bear full responsibility for the execution of all hostages,” said Jeeyand Baloch, spokesperson for the BLA.
Pakistani local media reported that the train, which departed from Quetta at 9 AM, was attacked while traveling through Balochistan. The driver sustained serious injuries during the incident. According to sources, no contact has yet been established with the passengers or crew aboard the train.
In response to the unfolding crisis, the Balochistan government has declared an emergency and mobilized all available resources to address the situation. The local authorities, including spokesperson Shahid Rind, have assured that every effort is being made to resolve the standoff.