Pakistan train hijack: Balochistan militants attack Peshawar-bound train, 6 killed and hundreds taken hostages

Armed men attacked the Peshawar-Quetta Jaffar Express train on Tuesday in Balochistan’s Mach area, reports confirmed. The train, which was traveling from Quetta in Balochistan province to Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, came under heavy fire during the assault.“There are reports of intense firing at a Jaffar Express [train] going from Quetta to Peshawar,” said Shahid Rind, a spokesperson for the Balochistan government, according to Pakistani daily Dawn.

Read more: Pakistan train hijack LIVE updates: Militants hijack passenger train, take hostages in restive Balochistan
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a militant separatist group operating in the region, claimed responsibility for the attack. In its statement, the BLA asserted that six military personnel were killed during the assault. It was also reported that hundreds of passengers were held by the militants during the incident.The group issued a warning to Pakistan, threatening that any military response would lead to further escalation. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the attack, which highlights the ongoing security challenges in the restive province of Balochistan, a region where separatist insurgencies have long been active.

Read more: US advises citizens against travelling close to India-Pak border, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Controller of the Pakistan Railways, Muhammad Kashif, said, “The train was stopped by armed men in Tunnel No 8,” reported by The Express Tribune newspaper. He also informed that Jaffar Express, which consisted of nine train coaches, had approximately 500 passengers on board at the time of the attack.

Balochistan, known for its resource-rich landscape, has been a focal point of unrest due to demands for greater autonomy and control over its natural resources.

Read more: Pakistan train hijack: Balochistan militants warn of execution of hostages within an hour; Here’s what we know

Balochistan is one of the largest provinces in Pakistan but has very less population as compared to others. The Balochistan Liberation army have targeted security forces and government initiatives, time and again, including infrastructure projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Last year in November 2024, Quetta Railway Station witnessed a suicide bombing attack which killed 26 people, injuring 62 others.

The Pakistani authorities have reportedly called for investigations and retaliatory measures in the region. The BLA has warned that the situation could escalate further if any such action is taken by the Pakistan government.

(With inputs from agencies and media reports)