Terror on Jaffar Express: 20 dead in Balochistan attack
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Mar 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 14
On March 11, 2025, the Jaffar Express, traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, was ambushed by militants in Balochistan's Bolan district, leading to a significant hostage crisis.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group, claimed responsibility for the assault. They sabotaged the railway tracks, causing the train to halt near the Mashkaf Tunnel, approximately 157 kilometers from Quetta. The militants then opened fire, resulting in casualties among passengers and security personnel.
Hostage situation and demands
The attackers took over 100 passengers hostage, including women and children, and demanded the release of their imprisoned members within 48 hours, threatening to execute the hostages if their demands were not met.
Rescue operations
Pakistani security forces launched a rescue operation, facing challenges due to the rugged terrain and the militants' use of hostages as human shields. Reports indicate that 104 passengers were rescued, and 16 militants were killed during the operation.
Background - BLA
The BLA is a separatist militant group seeking independence for the Balochistan region. They have a history of targeting security forces and infrastructure, accusing the Pakistani government of exploiting the province's natural resources without benefiting the local population.
National condemnation
The attack has drawn strong condemnation from top Pakistani leaders. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the swift action of security forces, vowing to eliminate terrorist threats.
Zardari emphasized according to Tribune that such inhumane and reprehensible attacks on innocent passengers are unacceptable. The president also highlighted that the Baloch nation opposes elements who hold unarmed passengers, elders, and children hostage.
PM Sharif stated that these cowardly terrorists have no connection to Islam or Pakistan. «They are enemies of Balochistan’s progress, and we will ensure they are wiped out.»
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi echoed similar sentiments, stressing that those responsible «deserve no leniency.» Meanwhile, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur expressed concerns over rising militancy and called for stronger counterterrorism measures.
«These cowardly terrorists have no connection to Islam or Pakistan. They are enemies of Balochistan’s progress, and we will ensure they are wiped out» Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
Efforts to stop the terror
The Pakistani government counters the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) through military operations, intelligence efforts, and diplomatic pressure. Security forces conduct raids, airstrikes, and targeted killings of BLA militants, while intelligence agencies track and arrest supporters.
The government has banned the BLA and pushed for international recognition of it as a terrorist group. Pakistan also accuses India of supporting the BLA and pressures Afghanistan to take action against its leaders.
To weaken separatist support, Pakistan promotes economic projects like The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), offers amnesty to surrendered militants, and engages in political talks with Baloch leaders. Despite these efforts, the BLA remains active.
CPEC is a major infrastructure and investment project between China and Pakistan. It includes roads, railways, energy projects, and the development of Gwadar Port in Balochistan. CPEC is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and aims to improve trade and connectivity between the two countries.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) opposes CPEC, arguing that it exploits Balochistan’s resources without benefiting the local population. As a result, the BLA has targeted CPEC projects and Chinese workers in Pakistan.
Key facts about the rail route
Connects Quetta (Balochistan) to Peshawar (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) via major cities like Multan and Lahore.
Operated by Pakistan Railways, part of the Main Line 1 (ML-1).
Covers over 1,500 km, passing through Punjab and Sindh.
Important for passenger and freight transport, linking southern and northern Pakistan.
Upgrades planned under CPEC’s ML-1 modernization project.
Key facts - BLA
Overview
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) is an ethno-nationalist militant group seeking independence for Balochistan, a province in Pakistan.
It primarily operates in Pakistan’s Balochistan region, but has also carried out attacks in Karachi and other major cities.
The group accuses the Pakistani government of exploiting Balochistan’s natural resources while keeping the local population marginalized.
Origins & leadership
The BLA was formed in the early 2000s, though its roots trace back to earlier Baloch nationalist movements from the 1940s and 1970s.
It emerged as a major militant group after Nawab Akbar Bugti, a prominent Baloch leader, was killed by Pakistani forces in 2006.
The group has multiple factions, with leadership figures such as Aslam Baloch and Bashir Zaib Baloch.
Major attacks
2018: Suicide attack on a convoy carrying Chinese engineers in Balochistan.
2018: Attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi, killing four people.
2019: Storming of the Pearl Continental Hotel in Gwadar, a strategic city for China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
2022: A female suicide bomber from the BLA targeted Chinese teachers at Karachi University.
2025: Attack and hostage-taking of Jaffar Express in Bolan, Balochistan.
International classification
Declared a terrorist organization by Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Alleged links to India’s intelligence agency (RAW), though India denies involvement.
Operates in Afghanistan, where some of its leadership is believed to have taken refuge.
Current situation
Continues to carry out hit-and-run attacks on Pakistani military and infrastructure.
Opposes Chinese investments, particularly in Gwadar, under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Faces counterinsurgency operations from Pakistan’s military and intelligence agencies.
