A shocking train hijacking incident in Pakistan has left the world on edge as conflicting reports emerge regarding the fate of hostages. Last Tuesday, the Jaffer Express traveling from Quetta to Peshawar was seized by Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) rebels. The militants took control of the train, which carried around 500 passengers, including army personnel, intelligence officers, and civilians. Initially, the BLA demanded the release of political prisoners within 48 hours, threatening to kill the hostages if their demands were not met. However, Pakistan’s military launched an operation to rescue the captives before the deadline expired. According to the army, all hostages were successfully rescued, and 33 rebels were neutralized during the operation. The military also reported that 23 soldiers lost their lives in the clash.

Contradicting this account, the BLA claimed that their fighters executed 214 hostages due to the army’s refusal to negotiate or meet their demands. They accused Pakistani forces of triggering a violent confrontation rather than resolving the situation peacefully. The rebels have also demanded proper burials for their slain fighters. This incident highlights the ongoing unrest in Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province, where separatist movements have persisted since the country’s independence in 1947. Activists argue that Balochistan remains economically exploited and its people oppressed under Islamabad’s rule. With tensions escalating over projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the region continues to simmer with discontent and violence. The international community now faces calls to address human rights abuses and support Baloch aspirations for autonomy.