Train Hijack Massacre in Balochistan: Dozens Killed as Military Battles Suicide-Vest-Wearing Militants Holding 300 Hostages

In a harrowing escalation of violence, Pakistani security forces are locked in a deadly standoff with separatist militants who hijacked a passenger train in the volatile Balochistan province, leaving approximately 300 hostages trapped onboard. The militants, reportedly wearing suicide vests loaded with explosives, have vowed to blow up the captives if their demands are not met.

The incident unfolded on Tuesday when the Jafar Express, traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, was ambushed as it passed through a tunnel in the rugged Bolan district. The attackers blew up the railway track, forcing the train to halt inside the tunnel, and opened fire on security personnel. The train’s driver was injured in the assault, leaving the passengers stranded in a perilous situation.

According to government spokesman Shahid Rind, the militants, identified as members of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), have claimed responsibility for the attack. The BLA, a separatist group fighting for Balochistan’s independence, has demanded a prisoner swap in exchange for the hostages’ release. However, the Pakistani government has yet to respond to their demands, and tensions remain high as elite forces surround the train.

Several witnesses interviewed by Geo News said they were asked by security personnel to stay low when there was gunfire

So far, at least 27 militants have been killed in the ongoing operation, and security forces have successfully rescued over 150 of the 450 passengers, including women and children. However, the situation remains critical, with the remaining hostages at grave risk due to the militants’ suicide vests.

Balochistan’s difficult terrain has complicated rescue efforts, with authorities struggling to reach the scene promptly. A relief train has been dispatched to the area, and security forces are working tirelessly to secure the hostages’ release.

The train, identified as the Jafar Express, was travelling from Quetta to the northern city of Peshawar when it was attacked




A paramilitary soldier stands guard at a railway station in the Sibi district of southwestern Balochistan province on March 12, 2025

The attack has sparked outrage across Pakistan and drawn international condemnation. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for the immediate release of the hostages, emphasizing that such acts of terrorism are unacceptable. “This attack is deeply concerning. All hostages must be released unharmed,” said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but least populated province, has long been a hotbed of separatist violence. The resource-rich region, home to valuable oil and mineral reserves, has been plagued by insurgency for decades. Ethnic Baloch separatists accuse the central government of exploitation and discrimination, fueling a decades-long conflict.

Trains in Balochistan are typically accompanied by armed guards due to the high threat of attacks. In November, a suicide bombing at a railway station in Quetta, also claimed by a separatist group, killed 26 people, including security personnel, railway staff, and passengers.

As the tense standoff continues, Pakistani forces face a race against time to secure the hostages’ release and prevent further bloodshed. The crisis has underscored the fragile security situation in Balochistan and the challenges faced by the government in addressing the region’s longstanding grievances.

A passenger, who was rescued from a train after it was attacked by separatist militants, receives medical aid at the Mach Railway Station in Mach, Balochistan, Pakistan, March 11, 2025

Families of the hostages are anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones. One distraught mother, whose son remains trapped onboard, confronted provincial minister Mir Zahoor Buledi during his visit to the freed passengers. “If you cannot protect trains, then you should not run them. Please, bring my son back,” she pleaded.

Pakistan Railways has suspended all operations from Punjab and Sindh provinces to Balochistan until security agencies confirm the area is safe. The mountainous region where the train is halted provides militants with ample hideouts, making it a challenging environment for security operations.

Pakistan’s interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi, condemned the attack, vowing that the government would not make any concessions to “beasts who fire on innocent passengers.” However, the crisis has highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to address the root causes of Balochistan’s insurgency and ensure the safety of its citizens.

As the world watches, the fate of the 300 hostages hangs in the balance. Will Pakistani forces succeed in their rescue mission, or will the militants carry out their deadly threat? The coming hours will be critical in determining the outcome of this devastating crisis.