Balochistan Train Hijacking Raises Alarm Over Security in Pakistan**

The hijacking of a train carrying over 400 passengers in Balochistan by separatist militants highlights the escalating violence and deteriorating security situation in the region, prompting concern among families and officials alike.**

Separatist militants in Pakistan hijacked a train carrying over 400 passengers in the remote Bolan district of Balochistan Province on Tuesday, raising serious concerns about safety in the region. The hijackers, identified as Baloch ethnic fighters, ambushed the train during its journey from Quetta to Peshawar, creating panic as the fate of the passengers remains uncertain.

According to railway and police reports, the militants forced the train to halt by firing at it, demanding immediate attention from authorities. Shahid Rind, a spokesman for the provincial government, revealed that the remote and rugged terrain poses significant challenges to rescue operations, leaving families anxious for updates on their loved ones. “After 2 p.m., we lost contact with my family. The government is not giving us any information. Roads and trains are not safe here,” expressed Rashid Hussain, a Quetta resident whose family was aboard the train.

This incident underscores the rising boldness and operational capacities of the Balochistan separatist movement, particularly the Baloch Liberation Army (B.L.A.), which has previously claimed responsibility for high-profile attacks including deadly bombings targeting both security forces and foreign nationals. The group declared that hostages were taken during this incident, although government sources have yet to verify these claims.

Balochistan Province, rich in resources and key to several Chinese-led infrastructure projects, has seen an upsurge in violence from separatist groups. These actions signal a growing challenge to the state's authority, as noted by Abdul Basit from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. With attacks on major highways increasing, rail travel has emerged as a more sought-after alternative for residents fearing ambushes on the roads.

Families gathered anxiously at the Quetta railway station, desperate for information on the situation. Train services had only recently resumed after a two-month hiatus due to previous militant attacks, casting further doubt on the safety of travel within the volatile region.