Pakistan’s Train Hijacking: Unraveling the Discrepancies in Official Claims

A recent train hijacking in Balochistan by the Baloch Liberation Army has exposed inconsistencies in Pakistan’s official statements, raising questions about the true events and the ongoing insurgency in the region.

On March 11, 2025, a significant incident unfolded in Pakistan’s Balochistan province when militants from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the Jaffar Express, a passenger train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar. This event not only resulted in tragic loss of life but also highlighted discrepancies in official reports and brought international attention to the longstanding insurgency in Balochistan.​

The Hijacking Incident

The Jaffar Express, carrying approximately 440 passengers, was attacked in the Bolan district of Balochistan. Militants sabotaged the railway tracks, causing the train to halt in a remote area. They then launched rockets at the train and boarded it, taking hundreds of passengers hostage. The attackers were heavily armed and equipped with suicide vests, indicating a high level of planning and determination. ​

Demands and Threats

The BLA, a separatist group designated as a terrorist organization by Pakistan and the United States, claimed responsibility for the hijacking. They demanded the release of Baloch political prisoners and threatened to execute hostages if their demands were not met. This tactic was aimed at drawing attention to their cause and pressuring the Pakistani government into negotiations. ​

Military Response and Casualties

Pakistan’s security forces launched a large-scale rescue operation involving hundreds of troops, the air force, and special forces. The operation faced significant challenges due to the rugged terrain and the militants’ preparedness. According to official reports, 21 hostages and four security personnel were killed during the operation, and all 33 militants were neutralized. However, the BLA claimed they had killed 50 hostages due to the government’s refusal to negotiate, highlighting a discrepancy between the two accounts.

Survivors’ Accounts

Survivors of the hijacking described harrowing experiences. Some passengers reported playing dead for extended periods to avoid detection by the militants. The ordeal lasted over a day, with hostages enduring extreme fear and uncertainty. The militants reportedly targeted specific ethnic groups among the passengers, adding a sectarian dimension to the attack. ​

Discrepancies in Official Statements

Following the incident, discrepancies emerged between official Pakistani statements and reports from other sources. While the Pakistani military claimed that 21 hostages and four security personnel were killed, the BLA asserted that they had killed 50 hostages. Additionally, the military’s assertion that all militants were killed contrasts with the BLA’s claim that their operation was ongoing. These conflicting accounts have raised questions about the transparency and accuracy of official reports. ​

Background on the Balochistan Insurgency

Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest yet least populated province, has been the center of a prolonged insurgency. The Baloch minority has long alleged discrimination by the central government and has sought greater autonomy or independence. The region is rich in natural resources, but locals claim they have not benefited from this wealth. The BLA has been at the forefront of the insurgency, targeting Pakistani security forces and infrastructure, as well as Chinese nationals involved in regional development projects.

International Implications

The hijacking has drawn international attention to the situation in Balochistan. Pakistan has accused neighboring countries, particularly Afghanistan, of harboring Baloch militants, a claim that Afghanistan has denied. The incident has the potential to strain regional relations further and complicate efforts to bring stability to the area.

Conclusion

The hijacking of the Jaffar Express by the BLA underscores the ongoing challenges in Balochistan and the complexities surrounding the insurgency. The discrepancies in official accounts highlight the need for greater transparency and accuracy in reporting such incidents. Addressing the root causes of the insurgency, including political and economic grievances, is crucial for achieving lasting peace in the region.​