Pakistan’s travel sector has been thrown into turmoil after separatist militants hijacked a passenger train in Balochistan, killing at least twenty people and taking over one hundred fifty hostages. The attack on the Jaffer Express, which was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, has raised serious concerns about the safety of railway transport in the country. The militants, who ambushed the train in a remote mountainous tunnel, detonated explosives on the tracks and opened fire, trapping hundreds of passengers. As security forces struggle to respond due to the challenging terrain, the deadly standoff continues, further destabilizing Pakistan’s already fragile travel infrastructure.
The train was ambushed as it passed through a tunnel in a remote mountainous region. Militants blew up railway tracks and opened fire, forcing the train to a halt and trapping hundreds of passengers. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which claimed responsibility for the attack, stated that they had taken military and police personnel hostage while allowing civilians to escape safely. However, conflicting reports suggest that many passengers remain unaccounted for.
Authorities are facing significant challenges in responding to the crisis due to the rough terrain and poor network coverage in the area. Security forces and emergency teams have been deployed, but efforts to reach the site have been slow. The BLA has warned that if military intervention continues, all hostages will be executed, escalating tensions in the ongoing standoff.
Pakistan’s travel industry, already grappling with security concerns, now faces renewed fears over the safety of railway transport. The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents linked to separatist groups, which have increasingly targeted transportation networks, infrastructure projects, and foreign investments, particularly those associated with China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
The hijacking underscores the worsening security situation in Balochistan, where the insurgency has intensified in recent years. The region, rich in resources but long neglected economically, has become a battleground between militant groups and the state, with travelers and transport routes frequently caught in the crossfire.
As the crisis unfolds, authorities are racing against time to resolve the hostage situation and prevent further casualties. The attack serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to bolster security measures across Pakistan’s travel and transport sector.
The post Pakistan Travel Sector Shaken as Militants Hijack Train Killing Twenty and Taking Over One Hundred Fifty Hostages in Deadly Standoff appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
