2025 Jaffar Express hijacking: Difference between revisions

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During the hijacking, separatists equipped with suicide vests boarded the train and systematically separated passengers into groups based on gender, checking their identification cards. Notably, the attackers refrained from harming elderly individuals or women. Due to the isolated mountainous location of the incident, the fate of the hostages remained uncertain in the immediate aftermath. Shahid Rind, the spokesman for the Balochistan provincial government, indicated that the challenging terrain hindered authorities' ability to swiftly access the area. In response to the attack, Pakistan Railways temporarily suspended all train operations between Balochistan and the provinces of Punjab and Sindh, as well as vice versa, to ensure safety and security.
During the hijacking, separatists equipped with suicide vests boarded the train and systematically separated passengers into groups based on gender, checking their identification cards. Notably, the attackers refrained from harming elderly individuals or women. Due to the isolated mountainous location of the incident, the fate of the hostages remained uncertain in the immediate aftermath. Shahid Rind, the spokesman for the Balochistan provincial government, indicated that the challenging terrain hindered authorities' ability to swiftly access the area. In response to the attack, Pakistan Railways temporarily suspended all train operations between Balochistan and the provinces of Punjab and Sindh, as well as vice versa, to ensure safety and security.
== International reactions ==
* {{flag|United Nations}}: Secretary-General [[António Guterres]] "strongly condemned" the train siege and also called for the immediate release of remaining passengers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9q4e2012q0o |title=Passengers describe 'doomsday scenes' on hijacked train |work=BBC |date=12 March 2025}}</ref>
* {{flag|Azerbaijan}}: The [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Azerbaijan)|Ministry of Foreign Affairs]] expressed their shock for the terrorist attack, wished condolences for its victims, and confirmed support for Pakistan against terrorism.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mammadov|first=Ingilab|date=12 March 2025|title=Azerbaijani MFA expresses condolences to Pakistan|work=Trend News Agency|url=https://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/politics/4017105.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250313001845/https://en.trend.az/news_ajax.php|archive-date=13 March 2025|access-date=13 March 2025}}</ref>
* {{flag|China}}: Foreign Ministry spokeswoman [[Mao Ning (diplomat)|Mao Ning]] condemned the terrorist attack and reaffirmed support for Pakistan in combatting terrorism and maintaining stability.<ref name="condemn">{{cite web|last=Gokmen|first=Berk Kutay|date=12 March 2025|title=World condemns deadly Pakistan train hijacking|work=Anadolu Agency|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/world-condemns-deadly-pakistan-train-hijacking/3507822|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250312213757/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/world-condemns-deadly-pakistan-train-hijacking/3507822|archive-date=12 March 2025|access-date=12 March 2025}}</ref>
* {{flag|European Union}}: [[Riina Kionka]], the EU ambassador to Pakistan, voiced condemnation over the attack on X.<ref name="world">{{cite web|date=12 March 2025|title=Worldwide condemnation on Jaffar Express incident keeps pouring in|work=24 Digital|url=https://24newshd.tv/12-Mar-2025/worldwide-condemnation-on-jaffar-express-incident-keeps-pouring-in|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250313003115/https://24newshd.tv/12-Mar-2025/worldwide-condemnation-on-jaffar-express-incident-keeps-pouring-in|archive-date=13 March 2025|access-date=13 March 2025}}</ref>
* {{flag|Germany}}: Alfred Grannas, the German ambassador to Pakistan, referred to the BLA political violence as "unacceptable", especially in the context of civilians.<ref name="world"/>
* {{flag|Iran}}: Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei expressed concern over civilian lives being endangered by the attack and reaffirmed support for Pakistan's fight against terrorism.<ref name="condemn"/> The Iranian embassy for Pakistan similarly voiced condemnation against BLA for its attack on civilians and public transportation.<ref name="world"/>
* {{flag|Norway}}: The Norwegian embassy in Pakistan offered sympathy for the many lives that it recognized were lost in the conflict.<ref name="world"/>
* {{flag|Russia}}: The [[Embassy of Russia, Islamabad|Russian Embassy in Pakistan]] condemned the "barbaric attack" due to the reported use of civilians as human shields by the insurgents.<ref>{{cite web|last=Banerjee|first=Aveek|date=12 March 2025|title=Pakistan Train Hijack: Army Confirms End Of Operation Against Baloch Militants After Daylong Standoff|work=News18|url=https://www.news18.com/world/pakistan-train-hijack-live-updates-balochistan-militant-attack-jaffar-express-bla-rescue-operation-liveblog-9257922.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250312203105/https://www.news18.com/world/pakistan-train-hijack-live-updates-balochistan-militant-attack-jaffar-express-bla-rescue-operation-liveblog-9257922.html|archive-date=12 March 2025|access-date=13 March 2025}}</ref>
* {{flag|Turkey}}: The [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Turkey)|Ministry of Foreign Affairs]] made a written statement offering condolences to victims and hoping that all hostages are recovered.<ref>{{cite web|date=12 March 2025|title=Türkiye condemns terror attack on passenger train in Pakistan|work=Türkiye Today|url=https://www.turkiyetoday.com/turkiye/turkiye-condemns-terror-attack-on-passenger-train-in-pakistan-130628/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250313002515/https://www.turkiyetoday.com/turkiye/turkiye-condemns-terror-attack-on-passenger-train-in-pakistan-130628/|archive-date=13 March 2025|access-date=13 March 2025}}</ref>
* {{flag|United Kingdom}}: [[Foreign Secretary (United Kingdom)|Foreign Secretary]] [[David Lammy]] condemned the attack and voiced support for families of victims.<ref name="world"/>
* {{flag|United States}}: The [[Embassy of the United States, Islamabad|US embassy in Islamabad]] expressed condemnation for the attack by BLA, expressed sympathy for the victims, and said that it stood in support with Pakistan.<ref name="condemn"/>


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

Revision as of 16:53, 13 March 2025


2025 Jaffar Express hijacking
Part of the insurgency in Balochistan
Pakistan Railways ZCU-20 Locomotive.jpg
Similar Jaffar Express train pictured in 2021
LocationBolan pass Sibi, Balochistan, Pakistan
Coordinates29°38′53″N 67°35′3″E / 29.64806°N 67.58417°E / 29.64806; 67.58417Coordinates: 29°38′53″N 67°35′3″E / 29.64806°N 67.58417°E / 29.64806; 67.58417
Date11 March 2025 (2025-03-11)
c.1:15 PM (PST)
TargetPunjabi Civilians, security personnel
Attack type
Hijacking, hostage-taking, mass shooting, bombings, shootout, ambush
WeaponsExplosives, rocket launchers, automatic firearms, suicide vests
Deaths58 (including 33 militants, 4 paramilitary forces and 22 hostages killed by militants)[1]
Injured37[2][3]
Victims440[4]–500[5] hostages[6]
Perpetrator Balochistan Liberation Army
No. of participants
33


On 11 March 2025[7], the Jaffar Express, a train in Pakistan travelling from Quetta to Peshawar with approximately 440 passengers on board, was seized by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). The assailants allegedly set off explosives in tunnels and along the tracks before opening fire on the train. Officials reported that at least 71 individuals lost their lives in the incident, including eight soldiers and all of the attackers, while 37 others sustained injuries. The BLA issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding the release of Baloch political prisoners, threatening that hostages would face "punishment" if their demands were not met, although some hostages had been released. Consequently, Pakistan Railways temporarily halted train services between Balochistan and the provinces of Punjab and Sindh.[8][5][9][10]

Between 11 and 12 March, Pakistani military forces conducted several operations on the hijacked train, successfully rescuing 346 hostages and eliminating all 33 BLA insurgents involved. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif denounced the assault as "cowardly acts," extended condolences to the families of the victims, and remarked after the crisis was resolved that the BLA members "have been sent to hell." The BLA's attack on civilians drew widespread condemnation from numerous global leaders, who expressed solidarity with Pakistan in its fight against terrorism. In the aftermath of the incident, Pakistan Railways announced measures to bolster security by increasing patrols across the country's railway systems and enhancing inspections of passengers and transport vehicles to avert similar incidents in the future.

Background

Since the creation of Pakistan, the province of Balochistan has experienced insurgencies and conflicts led by Baloch separatists and Islamic militant groups opposing the government of Pakistan.[11][12] Since 2001, various armed groups in Balochistan have carried out violent campaigns aimed at obstructing significant development projects, believing that such initiatives would primarily benefit other provinces.[13]

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) is an ethnonationalist group established in 2000.[14] Members of this organisation claim their goal is to attain regional independence from Pakistan and gain control over the area's natural resources, particularly oil and minerals. The BLA has previously targeted civilians and, more frequently, Pakistani security forces.[15] It has been officially banned in Pakistan since 2006.[16] Following its ban, the group has perpetrated numerous attacks resulting in significant casualties; the most recent incident before the 2025 train hijacking was a suicide bombing at Quetta railway station in November 2024, which claimed 32 lives.[4]

Hijacking

At 9 a.m. on 11 March 2025, the Jaffar Express passenger train set off from Quetta, heading towards Peshawar over a distance of approximately 1,600 kilometers.[17] The train carried around 450 passengers, including military personnel.[18] Prior to the hijacking, members of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) sabotaged the train tracks, causing the train to halt in a mountainous region.[19] The hijacking occurred about 157 kilometers from Quetta and roughly 21 kilometers west of Sibi, specifically inside Tunnel No. 8, situated between Pehro Kunri and Mushkaf stations.[9][20][21] The insurgents detonated explosives on the tracks before opening fire on the train.

The train was escorted by only a small contingent of police and paramilitary personnel. An eyewitness reported that “hundreds” of separatists surrounded the train tracks during the attack. The defenders engaged in combat with the separatists, managing to resist for over an hour and a half. However, they eventually ran out of ammunition, leaving them unable to continue their defense against the overwhelming assault.[22]

During the hijacking, separatists equipped with suicide vests boarded the train and systematically separated passengers into groups based on gender, checking their identification cards. Notably, the attackers refrained from harming elderly individuals or women. Due to the isolated mountainous location of the incident, the fate of the hostages remained uncertain in the immediate aftermath. Shahid Rind, the spokesman for the Balochistan provincial government, indicated that the challenging terrain hindered authorities' ability to swiftly access the area. In response to the attack, Pakistan Railways temporarily suspended all train operations between Balochistan and the provinces of Punjab and Sindh, as well as vice versa, to ensure safety and security.

International reactions

  •  United Nations: Secretary-General António Guterres "strongly condemned" the train siege and also called for the immediate release of remaining passengers.[23]
  •  Azerbaijan: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed their shock for the terrorist attack, wished condolences for its victims, and confirmed support for Pakistan against terrorism.[24]
  •  China: Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning condemned the terrorist attack and reaffirmed support for Pakistan in combatting terrorism and maintaining stability.[25]
  •  European Union: Riina Kionka, the EU ambassador to Pakistan, voiced condemnation over the attack on X.[26]
  •  Germany: Alfred Grannas, the German ambassador to Pakistan, referred to the BLA political violence as "unacceptable", especially in the context of civilians.[26]
  •  Iran: Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei expressed concern over civilian lives being endangered by the attack and reaffirmed support for Pakistan's fight against terrorism.[25] The Iranian embassy for Pakistan similarly voiced condemnation against BLA for its attack on civilians and public transportation.[26]
  •  Norway: The Norwegian embassy in Pakistan offered sympathy for the many lives that it recognized were lost in the conflict.[26]
  •  Russia: The Russian Embassy in Pakistan condemned the "barbaric attack" due to the reported use of civilians as human shields by the insurgents.[27]
  •  Turkey: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a written statement offering condolences to victims and hoping that all hostages are recovered.[28]
  •  United Kingdom: Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned the attack and voiced support for families of victims.[26]
  •  United States: The US embassy in Islamabad expressed condemnation for the attack by BLA, expressed sympathy for the victims, and said that it stood in support with Pakistan.[25]

References

  1. ↑ Shahid, Syed Irfan Raza | Saleem (13 March 2025). "Balochistan standoff ends after all Jaffar Express hostages rescued". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named remaining
  3. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :ARY News
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Pakistan says more than 300 hostages rescued from hijacked train". Al Jazeera. 12 March 2025. Archived from the original on 12 March 2025. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Pakistan Train Hijack Update: BLA Militants Release Civilians, Keep 214 Military Personnel Hostage Aboard Jaffar Express; 30 Soldiers Killed". English Jagran. 11 March 2025. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
  6. ↑ Shahid, Syed Irfan Raza | Saleem (13 March 2025). "Balochistan standoff ends after all Jaffar Express hostages rescued". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
  7. ↑ Indian National Calendar: 20 Saura Phālguna 1946
    Vikrama Samvat: 27 Phālguna (Śukla dvādaśī) 2081
  8. ↑ Ahmed, Saleem; Sayeed, Saad (13 March 2025). "Pakistan military ends train standoff, says 21 hostages and four troops killed". Reuters. Quetta. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Moshiri, Azadeh; Perera, Ayeshea (11 March 2025). "Pakistan militants attack train carrying hundreds of passengers". BBC News. Archived from the original on 11 March 2025. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
  10. ↑ "Baloch separatists attack train in Pak, warn passengers will be executed if..." India Today. 11 March 2025. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
  11. ↑ Akhtar, Aasim Sajjad (2007). "Balochistan versus Pakistan". Economic and Political Weekly. Economic and Political Weekly. 42 (45/46): 73–79. ISSN 0012-9976. JSTOR 40276835. Archived from the original on 26 April 2024. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
  12. ↑ Kirmani, Nida (2024). "Resisting erasure: tweeting against enforced disappearances in Balochistan". Dialectical Anthropology. 48 (1): 21–37. doi:10.1007/s10624-024-09713-3. ISSN 0304-4092.
  13. ↑ "Baloch separatists attack traders". BBC News. 27 July 2009. Archived from the original on 17 May 2020. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
  14. ↑ "Balochistan Liberation Army". Mapping Militants. Archived from the original on 7 December 2024. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
  15. ↑ Sattar, Abdul; Ahmed, Munir (12 March 2025). "Pakistan's army says insurgents who attacked a passenger train killed 21 hostages while others freed". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 12 March 2025. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  16. ↑ "List of banned organisations in Pakistan". The Express Tribune. 24 October 2012. Archived from the original on 5 April 2020. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
  17. ↑ Hussain, Abid (11 March 2025). "Deadly Pakistan train hijack: What happened, and what's next?". Al Jazeera English. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  18. ↑ "Pakistan continues operation to free 250 hostages from hijacked train". Reuters. 12 March 2025. Archived from the original on 12 March 2025. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  19. ↑ "Packed passenger train in Pakistan attacked by Baloch separatists, possibly hijacked in bloody assault". CBS News. 11 March 2025. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
  20. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named jazeera
  21. ↑ "Rescue operation for hostages underway after terrorists attack train in Balochistan: state media". Dawn. 11 March 2025. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
  22. ↑ Correspondent, Our (13 March 2025). "'We fought until our bullets ran out'". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
  23. ↑ "Passengers describe 'doomsday scenes' on hijacked train". BBC. 12 March 2025.
  24. ↑ Mammadov, Ingilab (12 March 2025). "Azerbaijani MFA expresses condolences to Pakistan". Trend News Agency. Archived from the original on 13 March 2025. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 Gokmen, Berk Kutay (12 March 2025). "World condemns deadly Pakistan train hijacking". Anadolu Agency. Archived from the original on 12 March 2025. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 26.3 26.4 "Worldwide condemnation on Jaffar Express incident keeps pouring in". 24 Digital. 12 March 2025. Archived from the original on 13 March 2025. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
  27. ↑ Banerjee, Aveek (12 March 2025). "Pakistan Train Hijack: Army Confirms End Of Operation Against Baloch Militants After Daylong Standoff". News18. Archived from the original on 12 March 2025. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
  28. ↑ "Türkiye condemns terror attack on passenger train in Pakistan". Türkiye Today. 12 March 2025. Archived from the original on 13 March 2025. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
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