Security forces successfully rescued 155 hostages and eliminated 27 terrorists in a high-stakes operation following the hijacking of the Jaffar Express in Balochistan’s Bolan district.
The passenger train, carrying over 400 travelers in nine bogies, was en route from Quetta to Peshawar when armed terrorists stormed aboard, taking passengers hostage. Security forces swiftly responded, launching an extensive rescue mission that remains ongoing.
Security officials confirmed that the militants split into small groups once the operation began. Seventeen injured passengers were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical treatment. Despite the rugged mountainous terrain near the Afghanistan-Iran border, security teams navigated the challenging route and successfully cordoned off the attack zone.
BALOCH LIBERATION ARMY officially release a statement to announce the hijacking of Jaffar express carrying 400 persons.
Nuclear power with potato size nuclear bombs is running around with wet pajamas!! pic.twitter.com/3yMqjkc4ex
— The Story Teller (@IamTheStory__) March 11, 2025Sources revealed that the attackers were using satellite phones to communicate with international handlers, including a mastermind in Afghanistan. They also deployed women and children as human shields, forcing security personnel to proceed with extreme caution.
The attackers bombed railway tracks before seizing control of the train, opening fire on the locomotive, and injuring the train driver. The hijacking took place in a remote region, just before a rail tunnel, complicating rescue efforts.
The Balochistan government has declared an emergency and mobilized all relevant institutions to manage the situation. Relief trains and additional security reinforcements have been dispatched. Emergency services have also been activated in Sibi and Civil Hospital Quetta, where medical and paramedical teams are highly alert.
Jaffar Express Hijack: Pakistan security forces rescue 155 hostages, kill at least 27 militants in Balochistanhttps://t.co/sbzyzUzayt
— Economic Times (@EconomicTimes) March 12, 2025Read: Terrorists Attack Jaffar Express in Balochistan, 104 Rescued
A dedicated emergency information desk has been established at Quetta Railway Station to assist affected families. Railway officials provide real-time updates on the ongoing rescue operation.
National and International Condemnations Pour In
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack, praising security forces’ swift and decisive response. President Zardari emphasized that targeting innocent passengers is an inhuman and reprehensible act, adding that no religion or society condones such brutality.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed to eliminate terrorism and reaffirmed that Pakistan will not tolerate attempts to destabilize the country. He lauded the bravery of security personnel and expressed confidence that the operation would be concluded successfully.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi labeled the terrorists “beasts who deserve no leniency,” while Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called the attack a “cowardly assault on innocent civilians.”
A Surge in Terrorist Attacks in Pakistan
The attack on the Jaffar Express comes amid a sharp rise in terrorist activities in Pakistan. According to data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), January 2025 saw a 42% increase in militant attacks compared to the previous month. At least 74 terrorist incidents were reported nationwide, resulting in 91 fatalities, including 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants.
Balochistan has been one of the most affected regions, witnessing at least 24 militant attacks in January alone, claiming 26 lives. Security analysts warn that the region remains vulnerable to cross-border terrorism, with militant groups exploiting rugged terrain and remote access routes to orchestrate attacks.
With security forces vowing to continue operations until every terrorist is neutralized, the rescue of 155 hostages marks a significant victory against militants in Balochistan. However, with terrorist threats escalating, authorities are reinforcing counterterrorism efforts to prevent future attacks.
The successful operation underscores the resilience of Pakistan’s security forces, but also highlights the growing need for stronger intelligence coordination to combat evolving militant strategies.
