The Baloch insurgents responsible for hijacking a Peshawar-bound passenger train in Pakistan’s Balochistan province have released a chilling video showing the moment they blew up the railway track, derailing the train before taking passengers hostage.
The video, which has surfaced online, captures the Jaffar Express—a train carrying over 400 passengers—passing through Sibi city when a sudden explosion on the tracks forces it to stop. Thick black smoke engulfs the engine and the first two compartments as armed militants storm the train, forcibly deboarding passengers.
BLA Claims Responsibility, Releases Footage of Attack
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group advocating for Balochistan’s independence from Pakistan, has claimed responsibility for the attack. The group’s Majeed Brigade, known for high-profile militant operations, allegedly led the hijacking.
#WATCH || The #BLA has released a video showing how they hijacked the Jaffar Express train in #Balochistan and took hostages.
The video was released via the Hakkal media#Baloch #Balochistanattack #Pakistan #PakistanArmy #TrainHijack #BLA #BalochistanLiberationArmy… pic.twitter.com/lteAS4rFkD
— The Theorist (@thetheorist_in) March 12, 2025
According to unverified reports, the insurgents have killed at least 30 security personnel while holding 214 passengers hostage. However, Pakistani authorities have yet to confirm these figures officially.
ALSO READ: Balochistan Train Hijack: 155 rescued, 27 militants killed as security operation continues
The Pakistani security forces have launched an intense rescue operation to free the hostages. As of the latest update, 27 insurgents have been killed in retaliatory actions by the military.
The Quetta-Peshawar railway route, known for its 17 tunnels, presents significant security challenges. Its difficult terrain and low-speed travel made it an easy target for the militants, who reportedly stopped the train near tunnel number 8 before launching their assault.
Strategic Blow to Pakistan’s Security Infrastructure
The hijacking of the Jaffar Express has once again exposed the security vulnerabilities of Pakistan Railways, particularly in Balochistan, where militant activities have surged in recent months. The attack highlights the growing strength of separatist movements in the region and raises concerns over Pakistan’s ability to safeguard critical infrastructure.
As the military operation continues, Pakistan faces increasing pressure to address the ongoing insurgency and ensure passenger safety on its railway networks.
