BOLAN: Security forces have rescued 190 passengers and killed 30 militants in a major operation after the Jaffar Express attack in Balochistan’s Bolan district. Officials said the rescue mission will continue until every terrorist is eliminated.
The Jaffar Express was heading from Quetta to Peshawar on Tuesday. It had over 400 passengers in nine bogies when heavily armed militants hijacked it. The terrorists took several passengers hostage, according to security sources.
The operation is still ongoing to recover the remaining hostages. Authorities confirmed that some militants were wearing suicide vests and using civilians as human shields. Forces are moving carefully to avoid harm to the captives.
A rescued passenger expressed gratitude. “There was firing, but by Allah’s mercy, the army and FC saved us,” he said. He praised the efforts of the security forces involved in the operation.
Railway officials have suspended the Jaffar Express and Bolan Mail services for three days. The decision came after the train attack in Bolan. The passenger train from Quetta to Chaman has also been halted.
Earlier, railway authorities confirmed that 57 rescued passengers had reached Quetta by early Wednesday. Another 23 were still in Machh. Seventeen injured passengers received emergency treatment at a nearby hospital.
After the attack, militants split into smaller groups. Security teams responded quickly, cordoning off the Mushqaf area despite the tough terrain. The region lies near the Afghanistan-Iran border, adding to the operation’s complexity.
Sources revealed that the attackers used satellite phones to communicate with handlers outside Pakistan. They even had links to a mastermind based in Afghanistan. Women and children were used as human shields, making the situation more critical.
The Jaffar Express attack began when the militants blew up the railway track and fired at the train engine. The driver was injured, and the train stopped just before entering a tunnel in the mountainous area.
Emergency Measures Enforced
The Balochistan government declared an emergency. All departments have been mobilized. A relief train and more security forces were sent to the site.
The health department announced an emergency at Civil Hospital Quetta and in Sibi. All medical and paramedical staff were called in. Hospital wards were vacated to handle the situation.
An emergency information desk was also set up at Quetta Railway Station. A railway officer was appointed to provide updates on the Jaffar Express hijacking.
National Leaders Condemn the Terrorist Attack
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the Jaffar Express attack. They praised the brave action of the security forces.
President Zardari called the attack on civilians inhuman. He said no religion or culture allows such cruelty. He also prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
PM Shehbaz Sharif saluted the courage of the forces. He said terrorists are enemies of Balochistan’s progress. He stated that targeting innocent people during Ramadan shows the terrorists have no link with Islam or Pakistan.
He assured that the anti-terror operation would continue until complete success. “No conspiracy to spread chaos will succeed,” he added.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also condemned the incident. He said, “Those who fire at innocent passengers are beasts and deserve no mercy.”
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called it a cowardly act. “Terrorists are the biggest threat to Pakistan,” he said.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Ali Amin Gandapur expressed concern for the hostages. He hoped for their safe recovery. ANP President Aimal Wali Khan said such attacks are unacceptable and demanded strict action against the terrorists.
Rising Terror Threat Across Pakistan
Pakistan has seen a sharp spike in terror incidents. Data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) shows a 42% rise in attacks in January 2025 compared to December.
The report listed 74 militant attacks in January, resulting in 91 deaths. Among the dead were 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants. Another 117 were injured, including 53 security staff and 54 civilians.
Balochistan saw a notable increase in attacks. At least 24 incidents were recorded, killing 26 people. This included 11 security personnel, six civilians, and nine militants.
The Jaffar Express attack highlights the ongoing threat and the bravery of those battling terrorism. Security forces remain committed to restoring peace and protecting the nation.
