A terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express near Dhadar in Balochistan on Tuesday resulted in the killing of three minors and the train’s driver.
The attack, which targeted a passenger train travelling from Quetta to Peshawar via Sibi, left hundreds of civilians, including women and children, in grave danger. Security sources said the attackers halted the train inside a tunnel in the Bolan Pass area, taking approximately 400 passengers hostage. Despite the challenging terrain and remote location, security forces cordoned off the area and initiated a clearance operation to rescue those held captive.
According to security sources, 104 hostages, including 58 men, 31 women, and 15 children, were safely freed. Efforts were ongoing to ensure the safe evacuation of the remaining passengers. Despite the challenging terrain and the terrorists' use of women and children as human shields, security forces continued their strategic operation.
Security sources report that 16 terrorists have been killed and several others injured in the ongoing operation against the attackers of the Jaffar Express. Amid intense gunfire, the terrorists have split into smaller groups to evade security forces. Additional reinforcements have been deployed to the area to assist in the operation.
Meanwhile, 17 injured passengers have been shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Security forces continue their efforts to neutralize the remaining terrorists and ensure the safety of all passengers.
Ambulances were dispatched to the affected area, but multiple emergency vehicles returning to Sibi indicated difficulties in reaching the victims. No injured or deceased individuals had been transported to hospitals in Mach, Dhadar, or Sibi at the time of reporting.
"Targeting innocent passengers proves that these terrorists have no affiliation with Islam, Pakistan, or Balochistan," the security sources emphasized.
Intelligence sources revealed that the attackers were in direct contact with their handlers in Afghanistan. Additionally, reports suggested that Indian and anti-national social media accounts were actively spreading disinformation regarding the incident.
Sources accused Indian media of amplifying propaganda through AI-generated videos, old footage, and misleading WhatsApp messages to stir unrest. Social media accounts linked to terrorist groups were also reportedly collaborating with Indian outlets to push an anti-Pakistan narrative.
Security forces have vowed to continue counter-terrorism operations until the last terrorist is eliminated. Authorities urged the public to rely on credible sources for information rather than falling prey to false narratives circulating online.
Earlier, it was reported that the Jaffar Express came under heavy firing between Gudalur and Peru Kanri. According to initial reports, the train driver sustained serious injuries, while some passengers were also wounded in the incident.
Railway officials confirmed that around 450 passengers were onboard the train’s nine coaches at the time of the attack, raising serious concerns about their safety, adding that communication with both the passengers and the train crew had been lost.
Railway and law enforcement officials confirmed that security forces rushed to the site immediately after the attack. A search operation was launched in the surrounding area to trace the attackers.
'Attackers may have taken control of train'
Levies officials stated that armed assailants attacked the Jaffar Express near Tunnel No. 8 at Peru Kanri, located on the border of Sibi and Bolan.
Security forces have rushed to the site to regain control of the situation. Meanwhile, an emergency has been declared at Civil Hospital Sibi and Dhadar to provide medical assistance to the injured.
According to unconfirmed reports, the attackers may have seized control of the train, raising fears of a hostage situation.
Authorities are currently verifying these claims, while a large-scale security operation is underway to secure the train and ensure the safety of passengers.
Balochistan govt spox
On the other hand, Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind confirmed that the train was attacked in a remote, hilly area, making it difficult for security forces and rescue teams to reach the site.
"Emergency has been imposed in Sibi Hospital, and ambulances have been dispatched to assist the injured," he said.
The Railways Department has also sent a relief train to the location, while security forces are en route to assess the situation and ensure the safety of passengers.
Authorities are investigating the nature of the attack, with initial reports suggesting a possible act of terrorism. "The government has directed emergency measures, and all institutions are mobilized," Rind stated, urging the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.
