Pakistani security forces have rescued 80 passengers from a train that was hijacked by terrorists while traveling from Quetta to Peshawar. The state media, Radio Pakistan, reported that the operation to free the remaining hostages is still ongoing.
The attack occurred on Tuesday (March 11) when terrorists targeted the Jaffer Express near the Bolan district in Balochistan, taking over 400 passengers hostage across nine train compartments.
According to security sources, the rescued individuals include 43 men, 26 women, and 11 children. Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry stated on Geo News that terrorists launched the attack in a remote area around noon. Security forces immediately surrounded the train and began the rescue operation.
The freed passengers were sent to hospitals as needed, while many continued to their destinations. However, Chaudhry accused the attackers of using women and children as human shields, calling them “cowards who target the weak and attack from hiding.”
Following the attack, Balochistan’s provincial health department declared an emergency, calling all doctors and paramedics to Civil Hospital and clearing wards for potential casualties.
A special information center has been set up at Quetta Railway Station to provide updates on the situation.