'Killed in front of my eyes': How the Pakistan train hijacking unfolded

BBC - Mar 13th, 2025
Open on BBC

In a dramatic and violent confrontation, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the Jaffar Express train in Pakistan's Bolan Pass, a remote area devoid of communication networks. The incident began with an explosion on the tracks and subsequent gunfire from the militants, who demanded the release of Baloch political prisoners. The siege lasted over 30 hours, resulting in the death of 33 militants, 21 hostages, and four military personnel, while 300 passengers were rescued. However, conflicting reports suggest that many passengers remain unaccounted for, and an unknown number may have been taken by the militants.

The attack highlights the ongoing insurgency by the BLA, who have long accused the Pakistani government of exploiting Balochistan's rich resources while neglecting the region. This incident marks a significant escalation, as it is the first time the BLA has hijacked a train, underscoring the group's boldness and the challenges faced by Pakistani authorities in maintaining security. The event has drawn attention to the complex geopolitical struggles in Balochistan and the broader implications for regional stability and security in Pakistan. The military continues to search for missing passengers and vows to bring those responsible to justice.

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RATING

7.2
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive account of the attack on the Jaffar Express, effectively using eyewitness testimony and official statements to construct a detailed narrative. It succeeds in presenting the facts with clarity and timeliness, making it a valuable resource for understanding the event's immediate impact. However, the story could benefit from greater balance by including perspectives from Baloch representatives and further verification of conflicting casualty figures. The article's engagement and public interest levels are high due to the significance of the attack and its implications for regional security. Overall, the story is well-reported, though it leaves some questions unanswered and would be strengthened by additional context and verification.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story provides a detailed account of the attack on the Jaffar Express, including the location, perpetrators, and outcomes. It accurately identifies the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) as the group responsible for the attack and outlines their demands for the release of Baloch political prisoners. However, there are discrepancies in the reported number of casualties and hostages, as the article mentions conflicting figures about the number of passengers freed and those unaccounted for. The claim that the BLA hijacked a train for the first time is significant and aligns with the group's history of targeting infrastructure, but this needs further verification to confirm its uniqueness. The story's reliance on eyewitness accounts and official statements adds credibility, though some claims, such as the exact number of militants and hostages, remain unverified.

6
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the perspective of the passengers and the Pakistani authorities, providing detailed accounts of the attack from those involved. It includes statements from eyewitnesses and officials, which helps present a balanced view of the incident. However, the article lacks input from the Balochistan Liberation Army or any Baloch political representatives, which could provide additional context or counter-narratives to the story. Including these perspectives would offer a more comprehensive view of the motivations behind the attack and the broader political context in Balochistan.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and clearly presents the sequence of events during the attack on the Jaffar Express. The use of direct quotes and detailed descriptions helps convey the gravity of the situation and the experiences of those involved. The language is straightforward, making the story accessible to a broad audience. However, the inclusion of conflicting casualty figures and the lack of clarity on the fate of some passengers could confuse readers. Providing a more concise summary of the key points would improve overall clarity.

8
Source quality

The article draws on credible sources such as BBC Urdu, eyewitnesses, and Pakistani officials, which lends authority to the reporting. The use of direct quotes from passengers and officials enhances the reliability of the information presented. However, the absence of direct statements from the BLA or independent verification of some claims, such as the exact number of casualties, slightly undermines the overall source quality. The reliance on unnamed security officials for some details could also affect the perceived credibility, though the BBC's reputation helps mitigate this concern.

7
Transparency

The article is transparent in its reporting, clearly attributing information to specific sources such as eyewitnesses and officials. It acknowledges the limitations in information, particularly regarding the number of casualties and the fate of unaccounted passengers. While the story does not explicitly discuss the methodology used to gather information, the inclusion of multiple eyewitness accounts and official statements provides a transparent view of the situation. However, greater transparency regarding the verification of claims, especially those from the BLA, would enhance the article's credibility.

Sources

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Jaffar_Express_hijacking
  2. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pakistan-train-hijack-balochistan-liberation-army-takes-hostages/
  3. https://indianexpress.com/article/pakistan/pakistan-train-attack-live-baloch-liberation-army-train-hijack-dead-army-9881065/
  4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJN_NAouaqA
  5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWrfKVlDVY4