The Pakistani military is currently conducting an operation to free hostages from a train in Balochistan. According to Geo TV, several militants stopped the train by triggering explosions on the railway track and firing shots on Tuesday, March 11, and took passengers hostage. At the time of the attack, there were approximately 400 to 450 passengers aboard the train, which was en route from Quetta in Balochistan to Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Security forces have sealed off all access to the mountainous region and surrounded the train. Heavy gunfire has been reported between the military and the militants. The militants have reportedly been in contact with their masterminds in Afghanistan and are using women and children as human shields.
The situation is delicate due to the presence of civilians on the train, prompting the military to proceed with caution. The rugged terrain is also making the operation difficult. The militant group, Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), has claimed responsibility for the attack and stated that they are holding 182 people hostage. They have called on the Pakistani government to enter negotiations and release all political prisoners within 48 hours.
While police have reported that 35 hostages are being held, it is unclear how many passengers are actually at risk, as different sources have provided conflicting information. The Interior Minister of Pakistan has previously stated that no concessions will be made to those who take civilians hostage at gunpoint.