Pakistan rescues 155 from hijacked train

Pakistani security forces have successfully rescued 155 passengers from a hijacked train in Balochistan province, with operations continuing to free dozens more hostages held by separatist militants. The rescued individuals arrived safely in Quetta under heavy security, while anxious relatives gathered at the railway station seeking information about their loved ones.

The attack occurred when militants from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) blew up railway tracks and opened fire on the Jaffar Express passenger train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar. The attackers, reportedly wearing suicide vests, initiated a complex hostage situation after derailing the train.

According to security sources, the train was carrying approximately 425 passengers when it was attacked. The BLA has claimed responsibility and issued a 48-hour ultimatum, threatening to execute hostages unless their demands for the release of Baloch political prisoners, activists, and allegedly abducted missing persons are met. The militant group claims to be holding 214 people hostage.

Pakistani forces have killed 27 militants during the ongoing rescue operations, though the total number of attackers involved remains unclear. There are reports of passenger casualties, but the exact figures have not been confirmed by authorities.

In response to the attack, Pakistan Railways has suspended train services from Punjab and Sindh provinces to Balochistan until safety can be assured, disrupting transportation in the region.

The Pakistani government has condemned the attack and intensified security measures throughout Balochistan, which has long experienced separatist violence. The BLA, an ethnic armed group, has been fighting for greater autonomy or independence for the resource-rich but impoverished southwestern province.