Terrorists Use Women, Children as Human Shields in Bolan Train Hijacking

Bolan Train Hijacking: Security forces continued their operation on Wednesday against terrorists who hijacked the Jaffar Express in Balochistan’s Bolan district. The rescue effort, however, was severely hampered as the militants used women and children as human shields, security sources confirmed.

Brazen attack came on Tuesday as militants blew up a railway line and fired indiscriminately upon the train on its way from Quetta to Peshawar. The train, carrying about 650 people, had been hijacked in a region near a hilly area in the vicinity of the Afghanistan-Iran border.
Based on security reports, the suicide bombers divided and held women and children hostage in three different sites, prompting the security forces to advance with maximum caution. With difficulty navigating through the terrain, forces conducted an operation in Mushqaf in order to kill the attackers and free the hostages.

After a day-long effort, security forces successfully rescued at least 155 passengers and killed 27 terrorists. Officials vowed to continue the operation until the last militant is eliminated. Meanwhile, 37 injured individuals were evacuated for medical treatment.

Bolan Train Hijacking: Terrorists Bomb Track Before Storming Train

The Jaffar Express was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar when terrorists detonated the railway track, causing the train to stop. The militants then fired on the train, injuring the driver before hijacking the train at a tunnel location. The isolated, mountainous terrain presented great challenges for security forces, who were able to reach the location in spite of the odds.

Railway authorities later suspended Bolan Mail and Jaffar Express train services for three days because of security issues. The Quetta-Chaman passenger train was also suspended indefinitely.

Witness Descriptions: ‘It Was Horrific’

Released passengers recalled the traumatic experience. Muhammad Bilal, who was on the train with his mother, said to AFP, “I can’t find the words to tell you how we escaped. It was horrific.”

Another rescued passenger expressed gratitude to the army and FC personnel for evacuating them safely. “There was firing, but by the mercy of Allah, the security forces evacuated us to safety,” he stated.

Emergency Measures and Government Response

In reaction to the attack, emergency measures were implemented by the government of Balochistan, engaging all institutions in an effort to address the crisis. A relief train and security contingents were sent to the location. Emergency measures were also implemented at Sibi and Civil Hospital Quetta, with health staff on call to treat the injured.

An information desk was set up at Quetta Railway Station to deliver updates on the Jaffar Express incident.

Political Leadership Condemnations

Top government leaders denounced the terrorist attack strongly. President Asif Ali Zardari hailed security forces for their courage in saving passengers and condemned the action as “inhuman and unacceptable.” He stressed that religion and society never accept such brutality on civilians.

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for their brave operation and vowed to continue the struggle against terrorism. “The terrorists who attacked innocent passengers during the holy month of Ramadan have nothing to do with Islam, Pakistan, or Balochistan. We will not stop until terrorism is totally eliminated from the country,” he said.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also denounced the attack, stating that terrorists targeting civilians have no right to mercy. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also reacted strongly, demanding stringent action against militant groups.

Increase in Terror Attacks in Pakistan

The Jaffar Express attack is at a time when terrorist attacks in Pakistan have witnessed a steep increase. The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) says that militant attacks increased by 42% in January 2025 as compared to the month before. There were at least 74 militant attacks across the country, with 91 people killed and 117 injured.

Balochistan is still a center of insurgent activity, and 24 attacks were recorded in January alone, resulting in 26 deaths, including security forces and civilians.

Continuing Operations to Eradicate Threat

Security sources disclosed that the terrorists had been communicating with international handlers, including an Afghanistan-based mastermind, using satellite phones. Intelligence agencies are probing the connection of the terrorists with external actors.

The security operation in Bolan continues, with troops committed to the safe rescue of all the hostages and neutralizing the remaining militants. The authorities have reiterated their resolve to restore peace and stability in the area.

While the country is still reeling from this horrific attack, security forces are on high alert, promising to thwart any future attempts by terrorist groups.