Deadly Pakistan Jaffar train hijack: What happened, who was rescued, what’s next?
Deadly Pakistan Jaffar train hijack: What happened, who was rescued, what’s next?
On March 11, 2025, what should have been an ordinary train journey from Quetta to Peshawar turned into a nightmare for hundreds of passengers aboard the Jaffar Express. As the train sped along its route through Balochistan, a region long troubled by conflict, it was suddenly stopped in its tracks—literally. A loud explosion rocked the railway, and within moments, armed militants stormed the train, turning it into a moving hostage situation.
This was not just an attack; it was an ordeal that would test the limits of human resilience—of passengers, security forces, and even those waiting anxiously for news of their loved ones.
The Hijacking: A Day of Terror
It was just another train ride, or so it seemed. The Jaffar Express had departed Quetta as scheduled, packed with men, women, and children heading to various destinations. Some were workers going back home after long shifts, students returning from school, families visiting relatives. Among them were Saleem, a young father traveling with his 6-year-old daughter, Aisha, and Farzana, a widow making a long journey to see her son in Peshawar after years apart.
Then, everything changed in an instant.
A powerful blast erupted from the tracks ahead, sending shockwaves through the train. Screams filled the air as passengers were thrown from their seats. Before anyone could understand what was happening, a group of heavily armed militants stormed the compartments, firing shots into the ceiling to demand silence.
One of the first casualties was the train’s driver, shot in cold blood when he tried to send out a distress signal. The militants, later identified as members of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), had planned their attack with precision. They forced the train to stop inside a tunnel—an ideal location where security forces would struggle to launch a counterattack without risking the lives of the hostages.
For the next several hours, terror ruled the train. Passengers were ordered to sit on the floor, hands over their heads. The militants shouted demands: the release of political prisoners, immediate attention to their cause, and threats of mass execution if the government did not comply.
“We thought we were going to die,” whispered Saleem, holding his daughter close. “My only thought was how to protect Aisha. I told her to keep quiet, to close her eyes, but she kept asking, ‘Baba, what is happening?’ I had no answer.”
A Nation on Edge: The Rescue Operation Begins
As news of the hijacking spread, fear and anger gripped the country. The government quickly mobilized its security forces, sending elite commandos and helicopters to the scene. But the situation was delicate—any misstep could result in the deaths of hundreds of innocent people.
Inside the train, the militants remained on high alert. They separated men from women and children, using some passengers as human shields. Reports suggest that they even strapped explosives to themselves, making any forced entry incredibly dangerous.
For Farzana, the ordeal was unbearable. “I kept thinking about my son. I wanted to tell him that I loved him, that I was proud of him, but I had no way to send a message. I was ready to die without saying goodbye.”
Meanwhile, outside the tunnel, military strategists debated their next move. A direct assault was too risky. Negotiations were attempted but quickly broke down—the militants were not interested in compromise. With time running out, the security forces made the difficult decision to storm the train.
Chaos and Courage: The Final Assault
As night fell, the operation began. Security forces launched a coordinated attack from both ends of the tunnel, using smoke grenades and flashbangs to disorient the hijackers. The sound of gunfire echoed through the dark passage as chaos erupted inside the train.
Passengers hit the floor, covering their heads, as bullets flew in all directions. Aisha sobbed into her father’s chest. “I told her to keep her eyes shut, to pretend we were playing a game where she had to stay very still,” Saleem later recounted.
One by one, the militants were taken down. Some detonated their explosives, killing themselves and those unfortunate enough to be nearby. Others fought until they had no ammunition left. But the security forces pushed forward, clearing one compartment after another, shielding civilians with their own bodies as they advanced.
After hours of intense fighting, the last gunshot was fired. The train fell silent.
The Aftermath: Relief, Grief, and Unanswered Questions
As the sun rose, the extent of the tragedy became clear. At least 20 passengers had lost their lives, including young children caught in the crossfire. Dozens were injured, some critically. The security forces had neutralized 27 militants, but at a heavy cost—several brave officers had also fallen in the line of duty.
Rescuers moved quickly to evacuate survivors. Some emerged dazed and in shock, unable to process what had happened. Others broke down in tears, clinging to their loved ones as reality sank in.
Saleem and Aisha were among the lucky ones. “I don’t know how we survived,” he said, his voice shaking. “But I know I will never forget what happened here. Aisha will never forget.”
For Farzana, the ordeal had a different ending. She was among those injured in the crossfire, struck by shrapnel as the bullets flew. She was rushed to a hospital, where doctors worked tirelessly to save her. As she lay on the hospital bed, her first words were, “Call my son. Tell him I am alive.”
A Nation’s Reckoning: What Comes Next?
The hijacking of the Jaffar Express was not just an isolated attack—it was a grim reminder of the ongoing conflict in Balochistan. The region has long been a battleground for separatist movements, with groups like the BLA seeking independence from Pakistan, citing political and economic injustices.
But at what cost?
The attack left the nation shaken. Questions are being asked: How did the militants pull off such a sophisticated operation? Could security have prevented this? And most importantly—how can Pakistan address the root causes of this conflict before more innocent lives are lost?
The government has vowed to take strong action. Security is being ramped up, and intelligence agencies are on high alert. But experts warn that military action alone is not the solution. The grievances of the Baloch people—poverty, lack of development, and political marginalization—must be addressed if peace is to have a chance.
For now, Pakistan mourns. The dead are being laid to rest, their families left with nothing but memories. The survivors try to move forward, haunted by the trauma of what they endured. And the nation watches, waiting to see what comes next.
Final Thoughts: The Human Cost of Conflict
Beyond the headlines and political debates, this story is about people—people who were simply trying to reach their destinations, to reunite with their families, to live their lives. It is about a father who shielded his daughter, a mother who fought to survive, and a nation that must find a way to heal.
In the end, the Jaffar Express hijacking is not just a story of terror. It is a story of resilience, of the strength it takes to survive, and of the hope that, one day, no one will have to live through such horror again.