Mehboob Hussain recounted his harrowing experience aboard the Jaffar Express when a sudden explosion jolted the train to a halt in the isolated Bolan Pass region of Balochistan. The train, carrying over 440 passengers, was en route from Quetta to Peshawar when armed militants attacked, employing bombs and live ammunition. "I was a passenger on the train that was attacked," Mr. Hussain said to BBC Urdu, depicting the chaos that ensued as riders faced a barrage of gunfire.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the assault, threatening to execute hostages unless certain political demands were met within 48 hours. This group has been labeled a terrorist organization by various nations and has a history of violent resistance in pursuit of Balochistan's independence from Pakistan, attributing their insurgency to alleged exploitation and neglect by the federal government.
The siege lasted into a second day, culminating in the deaths of 33 militants, 21 civilians, and four military personnel, with unverified reports suggesting many passengers are still unaccounted for. The Pakistani military reported the rescue of 300 hostages after a tightly managed response operation.
Eyewitness stories depict moments of sheer terror on the train. Passengers shared the sense of dread as shots rang out and militants began to storm the carriages. Ishaq Noor described the anxiety felt in the initial moments of the attack, saying, "We held our breath throughout the firing, not knowing what would happen next." A railway police officer spoke anonymously of the dire situation, describing an unequal battle against the BLA forces, who outnumbered them significantly.
Amidst the chaos, not all hostages were treated the same – gender and ethnicity dictated the militants' choices concerning who to let go. Noor Muhammad expressed relief at being allowed to leave with his wife after intense negotiation with the assailants. Other passengers, however, were faced with loss, with witnesses recounting tragic deaths occurring right before their eyes during the long night of terror.
As dawn approached, members of Pakistan's Frontier Corps mounted a rescue operation that ultimately provided a chance for some hostages to escape. Survivors described the moment when panic erupted as the rescuers fired upon the militants. Despite gaining their freedom, many of those who escaped were left shaken and traumatized by the unfolding events.
Currently, concerns remain over the fate of the 140 passengers who are still unaccounted for, as authorities continue to investigate reports of militants potentially fleeing the area with hostages. In light of the incident, the military asserts that efforts to ensure safety and justice will persist, as those impacted seek to heal from this devastating experience. Mr. Noor expressed immense gratitude for surviving, emphasizing the profound impact the event has had on their lives. “Thank God,” he exclaimed. “He saved us.”
