Pakistani security forces have successfully ended a hostage crisis after Baloch separatist militants hijacked the Jaffar Express train in Balochistan, taking around 450 passengers hostage.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) blew up the railway tracks and took control of the train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, demanding the release of Baloch political prisoners. Pakistani authorities refused to negotiate, and the military launched a rescue operation, which resulted in the deaths of 33 militants and 21 hostages, with over 300 people rescued. The BLA claimed responsibility for the attack and said it executed around 50 hostages.
The BLA has been waging an insurgency in the resource-rich Balochistan for decades, frequently targeting Pakistani forces, infrastructure, and Chinese projects. The latest attack has drawn public outrage, with families of the victims questioning why the train was allowed to travel despite security threats.
