Jaffar Express Attack Leaves Passengers in Peril
At least 16 terrorists have been eliminated, and 104 passengers rescued as security forces continue a clearance operation in Balochistan’s Bolan district, following a hostage crisis aboard the Jaffar Express.
The train, carrying over 400 passengers, was en route from Quetta to Peshawar when it was ambushed by militants who blew up the railway track and opened fire on the locomotive, injuring the driver.
Security forces are cautiously advancing due to the difficult terrain and presence of civilians, with many hostages being women and children.
Hostage Rescue Mission Underway
According to security sources, among the rescued hostages are:
- 58 men
- 31 women
- 15 children
However, several hostages remain in terrorist custody as forces intensify the rescue operation.
The attackers, communicating with their handlers in Afghanistan via satellite phones, have split into small groups, using women and children as human shields, making the mission more complex.
Government Declares Emergency
In response to the attack, the Balochistan government has declared an emergency, mobilizing security personnel and dispatching a relief train.
Key Emergency Measures:
✅ Medical teams mobilized at Civil Hospital Quetta
✅ Security reinforcements sent to Bolan
✅ Emergency desk set up at Quetta Railway Station
Nationwide Condemnation of Terrorist Attack
Pakistan’s leadership has strongly condemned the attack on Jaffar Express:
🚨 President Asif Ali Zardari:
“The valiant security forces have shown great courage in rescuing innocent passengers. Such inhuman acts will not be tolerated.”
🚨 Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif:
“These cowardly terrorists will be eliminated. Targeting innocent civilians—especially during Ramadan—proves they have no link to Islam, Pakistan, or Balochistan.”
🚨 Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi:
“Terrorists are the biggest threat to Pakistan. Those who fire on innocent passengers deserve no mercy.”
🚨 PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari:
“Attacking civilians is a cowardly act. Strict action must be taken against these terrorists.”
🚨 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Ali Amin Gandapur:
“Praying for the safe rescue of all passengers.”
Surge in Terrorist Attacks Across Pakistan
According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), terrorist attacks in January 2025 surged by 42%, with:
- 74 militant attacks nationwide
- 91 fatalities (including 35 security personnel and 20 civilians)
- 117 injured, including 53 security personnel
Balochistan alone witnessed:
- 24 attacks
- 26 fatalities, including 11 security personnel
What’s Next?
As security forces push forward, the rescue mission continues in Bolan, with more hostages yet to be freed. The nation remains on high alert as authorities vow to eliminate the terrorist threat completely.
Stay tuned for real-time updates. 🇵🇰
