Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned the Jaffar Express hijacking, calling it a “dastardly act” and expressing deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives.
PM Sharif said he was briefed by Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti on the latest developments.
“Spoke with Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti who briefed me on the latest developments in the heinous terrorist attack on Jaffar Express. The entire nation is deeply shocked by this dastardly act and saddened by the loss of innocent lives—such cowardly acts will not shake Pakistan’s resolve for peace,” PM Sharif wrote on X.
He further added, “I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs. May Allah grant them the highest ranks in Jannah and bless those injured with a swift recovery. Dozens of the terrorists have been sent to hell.”
Escalating Crisis
The situation has worsened, with authorities sending over 200 coffins to Quetta railway station, indicating a high number of casualties.
Human rights activist Amjad Ayub Mirza claimed that the Pakistani army has opted against negotiations, putting security personnel’s lives at risk.
“More than 200 wooden coffins have been brought to the Quetta Railway Station. This means that the Pakistani army has decided not to do negotiations, thus has decided to get its military personnel killed,” Mirza stated.
He further revealed that 30-40 military personnel had already been confirmed dead, prompting an emergency declaration in nearby hospitals.
BLA Issues Ultimatum
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which has claimed responsibility for the hijacking, is holding over 200 hostages, most of whom are Pakistani security personnel.
The group has given the Pakistani government a 24-hour ultimatum to exchange prisoners. They warned that if no action is taken, the hostages will be tried in the Baloch National Court.
The crisis continues to unfold, raising concerns over Pakistan’s security situation and its handling of Baloch insurgency-related violence.