Horror Unfolds on Hijacked Train: Passengers Describe Terrifying Ordeal

Following the hijacking of the Jaffar Express train in Balochistan, passengers shared harrowing accounts of fear and panic. Rescue operations are ongoing, with reports suggesting some militants escaped with hostages, while the BLA threatens dire consequences against rescue attempts.

Amidst the chaos of a hijacked train in Pakistan's Balochistan province, survivors described terrifying moments as gunfire erupted and fear clung heavily in the air. Passengers aboard the Jaffar Express recalled "doomsday scenes," with one returning passenger, Ishaq Noor, saying, "We held our breath throughout the firing, not knowing what would happen next."

The incident occurred on a route carrying over 400 people from Quetta to Peshawar when the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) launched an armed attack, taking hostages and injuring the train driver. According to military sources, 155 individuals have been rescued, and 27 insurgents reportedly neutralized, though independent verification of these figures remains lacking. Efforts to free the remaining captives are ongoing, with security forces mobilizing hundreds of troops, special forces, and helicopters.

Despite the fear among passengers, some managed to escape on foot to safety. Muhammad Ashraf, who was traveling to visit family, described the scene as overwhelmingly chaotic. "There was a lot of fear among the passengers. It was a scene of doomsday," he said, recounting their nearly four-hour trek to the nearest railway station, where several men carried the weaker passengers.

Ishaq Noor, traveling with his wife and two children, revealed that the initial blast was so forceful it sent one of his children tumbling from their seat, as the family tried to protect the children from the gunfire. Other passengers reported seeing BLA members communicating in Balochi and closely monitoring the security personnel onboard to prevent any escape attempts.

National efforts to rescue the remaining hostages have been met with threats from the BLA, warning of severe repercussions if authorities proceed with rescue operations. Onlookers at Quetta railway station witnessed wooden coffins being prepared, despite railway officials stating they were empty, presumably to receive potential casualties.

The BLA's ongoing insurgency seeks independence for Balochistan, leading the group to commit numerous acts of violence against state security. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has expressed severe concern over the hijacking incident, urging stakeholders to address the region's pressing issues through peaceful dialogue. Meanwhile, the United Nations' Secretary-General has denounced the attack and called for the immediate release of all remaining hostages.