A deadly attack took place on the Zafar Express train carrying over 400 passengers near the Bolan Valley in Balochistan, Pakistan. The official number of casualties has not been disclosed, but the country’s security forces claimed to have killed 33 attackers in a military operation.
This is considered one of the largest attacks by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) in recent years. The BLA stated that they had released civilian passengers but had taken security personnel hostage. They demanded the release of all political prisoners in Balochistan in exchange for the hostages.
Two days later, the Pakistani military claimed to have rescued the hostages in a military operation.
Who is the Baloch Liberation Army?
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) emerged in the early 1970s during the government of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. When General Zia-ul-Haq took power, he attempted negotiations with Baloch nationalist leaders, leading to a temporary halt in armed rebellion. However, the BLA re-emerged in the 2000s under the rule of Pervez Musharraf.
Over the years, the BLA has been responsible for multiple attacks on Pakistani security forces. In 2006, Pakistan officially banned the group. During this period, Balach Marri was declared the leader of the BLA. He was later killed in 2007 during a conflict near the Durand Line. Since then, Pakistan has accused his brother, Hyrbyair Marri, who lives in Britain, of leading the group. However, Hyrbyair Marri has denied these allegations.
BLA’s Notable Attacks
The BLA has been involved in major attacks on Pakistani security forces and foreign interests.
2018: A suicide attack targeting Chinese engineers in Chagai district.
2018: Attack on the Chinese Consulate in Karachi.
2019: Attack on Pearl Continental Hotel in Gwadar.
2022: A female suicide bomber targeted a Chinese professor at Karachi University.
2023: Another female attacker carried out a suicide bombing on a Frontier Corps (FC) vehicle in Turbat.
2024: A suicide attack at an FC center in Balochistan.
The latest attack on the Zafar Express in 2025, where the BLA hijacked the train, is part of their continued insurgency.
Current Situation
The Pakistani government continues to accuse foreign powers of supporting the BLA, while the BLA insists it is fighting for Balochistan’s independence. With increasing attacks on security forces and foreign interests, the conflict in Balochistan remains a significant security challenge for Pakistan.