Hijacked Train in Pakistan: Passengers Share Tales of Terror and Survival

Survivors of the Jaffar Express train hijacking in Pakistan's Balochistan recount intense fear and survival strategies amid a violent attack that left multiple passengers injured and the fate of others still uncertain.

Passengers who managed to escape the harrowing experience of a train hijacking in Pakistan's Balochistan province have described chilling accounts of panic and survival. Ishaq Noor, one of the survivors of the Jaffar Express, spoke to the BBC about how they held their breath during intense gunfire, unsure of their fate as armed militants from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) took control of the train, which was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar.

With over 400 passengers aboard, reports indicate the train was attacked on Tuesday, leaving the driver among those injured amid a chaotic scene. Military reports claim 155 passengers have since been freed and 27 militants killed, though these figures remain unverified. Rescue operations continue, with hundreds of troops deployed alongside helicopters and special forces to secure the remaining hostages.

The situation on board was described as "doomsday" by passengers, with fear rampant. One survivor, Muhammad Ashraf, shared his experience of fleeing the train with others, recounting a four-hour trek to the nearest station while carrying weaker individuals. "We were exhausted, especially with children and women in our group," he explained.

Another passenger, Mushtaq Muhammad, outlined the sheer horror as the attackers communicated about monitoring security personnel and selectively releasing certain hostages, particularly those deemed from Balochistan, including women and children.

The BLA has issued threats of "severe consequences" against any rescue attempts. As of now, authorities are still clarifying how many individuals remain in captivity while continuing their urgent campaign to rescue others.

In the aftermath, empty coffins were seen being loaded at Quetta railway station, signaling the potential loss of life in this devastating incident. The BLA, which has a long history of insurgency in the region, routinely targets transportation and has long seen tensions with the Pakistani government, which designates the group as a terrorist organization.

Condemning the violent acts, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has expressed severe concern over the hijacking, emphasizing the need for a political solution regarding the issues faced by Balochistan citizens. The global community, including the UN's Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, has also called for the immediate release of the remaining passengers still held hostage.