Over 150 hostages have been successfully rescued after a train hijacking incident in Pakistan's Balochistan region, where armed rebels intercepted the Jaffar Express. The train, carrying over 400 passengers, was ambushed by militants linked to the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) in a remote mountainous area. The incident, which occurred inside a tunnel on the Quetta-Peshawar route, resulted in intense clashes between the militants and Pakistani security forces. The standoff ended with the rescue of 155 hostages and the death of at least 27 rebels in a prolonged gunfight. The Jaffar Express, which had recently resumed service following a month-long suspension, was traveling through a tunnel when the attackers struck. Armed rebels reportedly detonated explosives on the tracks, forcing the train to halt inside the tunnel. Tragically, the train's locomotive driver was killed in the initial assault. The militants took control of the train and held hundreds of passengers hostage.
 

The BLA claimed responsibility for the hijacking, demanding the release of Baloch political prisoners and individuals they claimed had been forcibly disappeared by Pakistani security forces. The group warned that if their demands were not met within 48 hours, they would destroy the train and execute 10 hostages in retaliation for any military action. In response, Pakistani security forces swiftly launched a large-scale rescue operation. The complex mission was conducted under challenging conditions as the attackers split into small groups, with some remaining inside the tunnel to guard hostages while others attempted to flee into the mountainous terrain. The difficult geography posed significant obstacles to the military's efforts, but security personnel managed to contain the situation and prevent the rebels from escaping with hostages.
 

Reports suggest that some of the militants attempted to move a group of hostages into the mountains. Pakistani forces pursued the fleeing attackers to ensure the safe return of those taken. Meanwhile, the hostages rescued from the train were transported to the nearby town of Mach, where a temporary hospital had been established to provide medical attention. Authorities are continuing to investigate whether any hostages remain missing, and additional search operations are ongoing in the region. Emergency helplines were promptly set up at Peshawar and Quetta railway stations to assist relatives of those affected. Families gathered at these stations anxiously awaiting updates on their loved ones. The Pakistani government worked closely with railway authorities and emergency responders to manage the crisis and ensure the safety of those involved.
 

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the hijacking, calling it a cowardly attack that targeted innocent civilians. He stated that the Pakistani government remains committed to fighting terrorism and will continue efforts to restore peace and stability in the country. In a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, Sharif emphasized that Pakistan will not allow insurgent groups to create unrest and undermine national security. The region of Balochistan has witnessed a surge in violence in recent months, with increasing clashes between separatist groups and Pakistani security forces. The BLA has been at the forefront of these incidents, demanding greater autonomy for Balochistan and targeting infrastructure, security personnel, and civilians in their ongoing campaign.
 

The hijacking incident follows a string of violent attacks in the region. In November last year, a suicide bombing at Quetta railway station killed 26 people and injured over 60 others, raising concerns about security along critical transport routes. The latest train hijacking highlights the escalating tensions in Balochistan and the growing threat posed by separatist groups operating in the area. Authorities have intensified security measures in response to the incident, deploying additional forces to monitor railway networks and other key infrastructure. The swift and coordinated efforts by the military in rescuing the hostages have been widely praised, with officials emphasizing their ongoing commitment to safeguarding civilians and combating insurgent threats. As investigations continue, authorities are working to identify those responsible for planning the hijacking and to ensure that any remaining hostages are safely recovered. The Pakistani government has reiterated its stance on cracking down on insurgent groups and maintaining national security to prevent further violence in the region.