The driver of the Jaffer Express, which was hijacked by militants from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), has provided a chilling account of the attack, while survivors have commended the military for their daring rescue operation.
A Night of Terror on the Jaffer Express
On March 11, 2025, the Jaffer Express, carrying 440 passengers from Quetta to Peshawar, was violently ambushed in the rugged Bolan region of Balochistan. The attackers detonated an explosive under the train’s engine, causing several bogies to derail before launching their assault.
“As soon as the train stopped, BLA terrorists opened fire,” recalled Amjad, the train’s driver. The passengers, caught off guard, had little time to react before being taken hostage at gunpoint.
One of the freed passengers later recounted the harrowing ordeal: “They held us at gunpoint, but the commandos risked their own lives to rescue us. Their bravery gave us the strength to endure.”
A Fierce Battle and a Daring Rescue
Security forces launched an immediate response to the hijacking. On March 12, after a tense 30-hour standoff, the military stormed the train, killing all 33 terrorists and successfully rescuing over 300 passengers. However, the attack had already claimed 21 civilian lives, while four soldiers were martyred in the operation.
Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), stated that the rescue mission was one of the most challenging operations carried out in a hostile terrain with no communication infrastructure. He confirmed that despite the complexity of the mission, no civilians were harmed during the final assault.
Pakistan Blames External Forces, India Dismisses Allegations
The Pakistani government has linked the Jaffer Express hijacking to foreign-backed militancy, alleging that elements in Afghanistan and India are supporting separatist groups in Balochistan. However, India has strongly denied any involvement, calling Pakistan’s accusations “baseless and politically motivated.”
This attack marks the first instance of a passenger train hijacking in Balochistan, signaling an alarming escalation in the tactics used by insurgent groups. The BLA has been increasingly targeting security forces, infrastructure, and foreign nationals in the province over the past year.
PM Shehbaz Sharif’s Visit to Balochistan
In the aftermath of the attack, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Balochistan to meet with security officials and families of the victims. He reiterated the government’s resolve to crush terrorism, stating that national unity and unwavering support for the armed forces were crucial in these times of crisis.
As Pakistan grapples with the growing security challenge, the Jaffer Express tragedy stands as a stark reminder of the threats facing the nation. The military’s swift response averted an even greater catastrophe, but the incident has raised pressing questions about the evolving tactics of militant groups and the broader geopolitical factors at play.
