QUETTA: Pakistani security forces have rescued at least 155 hostages and killed 27 terrorists who hijacked the Jaffar Express in Bolan district, Balochistan. The operation is still going on, and the forces are committed to defeating all the remaining attackers.
The train, carrying over 400 passengers in nine coaches, was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar on Tuesday when terrorists stormed it and took people hostage.
Security officials said the attackers, some wearing suicide vests, used passengers—including women and children—as human shields, making the rescue mission very challenging.
Forces are moving carefully to save the remaining hostages trapped with the terrorists. “We were so scared with all the gunfire, but thanks to Allah, the army and Frontier Corps (FC) saved us,” said one rescued passenger, praising the bravery of the security teams.
The attack happened near the Dhadar area of Bolan Pass, close to a tunnel. The terrorists bombed the railway tracks and shot at the train, killing the driver and stopping it in a remote, mountainous area near the Afghanistan-Iran border. Security sources revealed the attackers were using satellite phones to talk to a mastermind in Afghanistan, showing this was a planned assault.
So far, 104 civilians, including 58 men, 31 women, and 15 children, have been rescued. Seventeen injured passengers were rushed to nearby hospitals. Four helicopters are helping in the operation, attacking terrorist hideouts, while special SSG commandos have taken out 16 militants. Three injured soldiers were airlifted for treatment.
Train Services Stopped, Emergency Declared
Railway officials have suspended the Jaffar Express and Bolan Mail for three days after the attack. The passenger train from Quetta to Chaman has also been delayed.
About 57 rescued passengers were brought to Quetta early Wednesday, while 23 stayed in Machh. Another 80 passengers are being moved to Quetta with FC protection.
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The Balochistan government has declared an emergency, sending extra forces and a relief train to the site. Hospitals in Sibi and Quetta are on high alert, with extra staff called in to treat the injured. An information desk at Quetta Railway Station is keeping families updated.
Leaders Condemn Attack, Praise Forces
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack, calling it a cruel act against innocent people. “These terrorists are enemies of Pakistan and Balochistan. They have no place in any religion or society,” said President Zardari, praying for the injured.
PM Sharif praised the security forces for their courage in fighting the terrorists despite tough conditions. “We will keep fighting until every terrorist is gone from our country,” he promised, adding that the attackers picked the holy month of Ramadan to show they have no respect for Islam or Pakistan.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and other leaders also slammed the attack, calling the terrorists cowards and a threat to Pakistan.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti vowed to wipe out the attackers, saying, “Anyone who challenges the state will be hunted down. We will not stop until the last terrorist is finished.”
Terrorist Links and Misinformation
Security sources said the attackers were guided by a leader in Afghanistan, proving this was part of a bigger plot against Pakistan.
After the attack, fake news and old videos started spreading online, with some blaming India and anti-Pakistan groups for trying to create panic.
Officials warned people not to believe these lies and said the terrorists’ actions show they care nothing for Balochistan or its people.
