Pakistan Train Hijack: Baloch militants take over 450 passengers hostage in Balochistan

In a shocking attack, armed militants hijacked a train in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province on Tuesday, taking more than 450 passengers hostage and injuring the train driver.

The attack took place in Bolan district as the train was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, government spokesman Shahid Rind confirmed. After the driver was wounded, the train came to a halt in a remote area. Security reinforcements have been dispatched to the site, but the exact situation remains unclear.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA)—a separatist group fighting for Balochistan’s independence—has claimed responsibility for the hijacking.

Emergency Declared; Interior Minister Condemns Attack

At 6:52 PM, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the attack, calling the perpetrators "beasts" who deserve no mercy for targeting innocent passengers.

In response to the crisis, the provincial government has declared an emergency at Sibi Hospital, mobilizing ambulances and security forces to the scene.

Baloch militants have previously targeted railway infrastructure in this region using rockets and remote-controlled explosives. The BLA has claimed responsibility for most of these past attacks.