Passengers on the Jaffar Express train in Pakistan faced a terrifying ordeal when armed militants took control of their train. This incident ignited fear and panic among those on board, with some describing the scene as “doomsday.”
One passenger, Ishaq Noor, recalled holding his breath through a barrage of gunfire, unsure of what fate awaited him and his family. The train was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar with over 400 people when the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) launched its assault. The attackers reportedly injured several individuals, including the train driver.
Military sources claim that about 155 passengers were rescued, along with 27 militants killed in the operation. However, these figures have not been independently verified, and efforts to rescue the remaining hostages are ongoing. Security forces have sent in hundreds of troops, helicopters, and special forces to address this crisis.
As the situation unfolded, the BLA threatened “severe consequences” if military action was taken to rescue the rest of the hostages. Most of those on the Jaffar Express included members of the security forces, further complicating the situation.
After hours of uncertainty, some passengers managed to escape the train. Muhammad Ashraf described his experience walking for nearly four hours to reach safety, helping the weaker ones in his group. The journey was exhausting, especially with children and elderly individuals needing assistance.
Witnesses reported hearing the attackers converse in Balochi, intent on focusing on security personnel on board. Passengers began to be released throughout the night—many Balochistan residents, along with women and children, were prioritized for release.
Historically, the BLA has been involved in a long-standing insurgency seeking independence for Balochistan, often resorting to violent tactics against military and police targets. Since the early 2000s, there have been numerous allegations of human rights violations committed by Pakistani security forces during their counter-insurgency operations, leading to thousands of disappearances.
Recent statistics from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan indicate that the situation in Balochistan has deteriorated, with increasing violence and instability. The organization emphasized the need for a rights-based consensus to address the root causes of such crises in the region.
As the world watches this unfolding story, reactions on social media have highlighted the fear residents feel in Balochistan. Many are calling for urgent humanitarian efforts and clearer strategies to improve security and safety in the area. The UN Secretary-General has expressed strong condemnation of the incident and has called for the immediate release of all hostages.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the complex situation in Balochistan, a region marked by a history of violence, demand for justice, and a struggle for the rights of residents. The search for solutions continues, as both the Pakistani government and the international community grapple with the implications of this recent tragedy.
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