According to emerging reports, the BLA allegedly blew up a portion of the railway track, forcing the train to halt in the remote Mushqaf area. Following the blast, heavily armed militants stormed the train, opening fire and seizing control of several bogies. While the BLA claims to have killed six military personnel onboard, this has not been confirmed by Pakistani authorities. The train’s driver was reportedly injured in the attack, and there are unverified reports of additional passenger injuries.

The BLA claims to have released women, children and ethnic Baloch passengers, holding captive what they describe as "security personnel and state-aligned individuals." Though various sources report the number of hostages ranges from over 100 to as many as 400, official confirmation is still lacking. The BLA has issued a stark warning that any attempt by Pakistani security forces to rescue the hostages would result in their execution, a threat that has greatly escalated the stakes of the situation.

Source: DAWN

In response, Pakistani security forces, including the Frontier Corps, have been deployed to the site and an emergency has been declared at nearby hospitals in Sibi and Dhadar in anticipation of potential casualties. However, Pakistani officials have so far provided only limited information, confirming heavy gunfire but refraining from acknowledging the extent of the hijacking or hostage situation. The silence from officials may reflect the fluidity and sensitivity of the unfolding crisis.

The Baloch Liberation Army, designated as a terrorist organisation by both Pakistan and international actors such as the United States, has been engaged in an armed insurgency seeking independence for Balochistan. The group is notorious for targeting security forces and infrastructure projects, particularly those linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This attack follows a string of previous assaults on railway lines and stations, including the 2022 bombing of a train in Sibi and the 2023 attack on Quetta's railway station.

The hijacking of the Jaffar Express represents a significant escalation in the BLA’s tactics. Unlike prior attacks, which focused on sabotage or ambush, this appears to be an attempt to hold a large number of hostages to leverage political demands. Such a move could have profound implications for Pakistan’s internal security, raising serious concerns about the vulnerability of critical national infrastructure, especially in volatile regions like Balochistan.

Analysts point out that this incident may also impact foreign investments, particularly those linked to CPEC, as it underscores the continuing insecurity in regions where Chinese and other international stakeholders are active. Human rights organizations are also likely to weigh in, especially given the risks posed to civilian passengers caught in the standoff.

As of now, the situation remains unresolved. Pakistani security forces are reportedly preparing for various contingencies, and no direct communication has been established between the government and the attackers. With lives hanging in the balance and international attention mounting, the coming hours will be critical in determining whether the crisis can be defused without further loss of life.