Terrorists launched an attack on the Jaffar Express, According to official media, security forces are rescuing hostage-taken passengers after terrorists opened fire on a passenger train going to Peshawar from Quetta, which is located close to the Bolan province of Balochistan, on Tuesday in Ramazan.

 Information about the Attack

 The train was attacked by terrorists in the Bolan Pass area of Dhadar, and several passengers, including women and children, were taken hostage. According to reports, the assailants stayed in touch with overseas facilitators. To guarantee the safe retrieval of every passenger, security personnel quickly ringed the area and started a clearance operation.

 The attack occurred in the Mashkaf Tunnel, about 157 kilometers from Quetta and 21 kilometers from Sibi. The remote and challenging terrain made the rescue effort more difficult.

 Hostages Are Freed During Continued Operation

 According to a state media update, 80 hostages—43 men, 26 women, and 11 children—were successfully freed by security troops. The goal of the operation is to neutralize the assailants and release the remaining hostages.

 According to later reports, 13 terrorists were killed, and numerous others were injured during their small-group escape attempt. Additional security guards have been sent to the scene, and injured travelers have been sent to local hospitals.

 BLA Assumes Liability

 The attack has been attributed to the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). Speaking on Geo News, Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry disclosed that the terrorists had exploited the rugged terrain to employ women and children as human shields.

 He emphasized the ongoing operation and said, “The security forces are acting with extreme caution to avoid civilian casualties.”

 Declaring an emergency and deploying security reinforcements

 Shahid Rind, a spokesman for the Balochistan administration, said that the train, which was carrying about 500 people, was stopped close to Tunnel No. 8. Medical personnel and security reinforcements have been sent to the scene of the emergency that authorities have declared at Sibi Hospital.

 Public and Government Reactions

•  President Asif Ali Zardari praised the security forces’ prompt response and denounced the attack. “It is a horrible crime that violates Baloch customs and humanity to target innocent civilians,” he said.

•  Shehbaz Sharif, the prime minister, reiterated the government’s resolve to eradicate terrorism. He declared, “We will not permit terrorists to impede Balochistan’s peace and development.”

•  Mohsin Naqvi, the interior minister, condemned the attack and promised that those responsible would be held accountable. Arif Alvi, the former president, reiterated these views and urged coordinated action against terrorism.

 DG ISPR Shares  Details of Military Operation

 Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), gave a formal briefing on the security forces’ operation against the terrorists responsible for the Jaffar Express attack.

 He revealed that the Pakistan Army initiated a high-risk rescue operation in cooperation with the Frontier Corps (FC), Special Services Group (SSG), and Pakistan Air Force. Security troops successfully killed thirty-three terrorists during the hostage rescue. Regretfully, before the military involvement, 21 passengers perished.

 Four FC soldiers were martyred in the first phase of the operation. Nevertheless, during the final clearance, no additional military casualties were reported.

 The incident was a deliberate act of terrorism that targeted innocent citizens, the DG ISPR stressed. He denied false stories spread by several media channels and affirmed that intelligence reports connected the assailants to Afghan militants. The terrorists who were able to escape the scene are being apprehended.

 “Despite terrorists using women and children as human shields, our forces’ accuracy ensured that they were safely rescued,” said Lt. Gen. Chaudhry. He highlighted a strengthened commitment to eradicating terrorism and called the mission a watershed in Pakistan’s counterterrorism strategy.

 Additionally, ISPR stressed the value of cooperation in the fight against terrorism and called on political and social leaders to actively combat extremism.

 Increasing Balochistan Terrorism

 The growing security situation in Balochistan, where terrorist assaults have increased recently, is highlighted by this incident. The Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) reported in 2024 that attacks by Baloch rebel groups, notably the BLA, had increased by 119%.

 The Jaffar Express attack comes after other violent incidents, such as the November 2024 bombing of the Quetta Railway Station, which claimed 26 lives. The increase in violence highlights how urgently the area needs stronger counterterrorism measures.

 India’s Social Media Laws and Social Media Reaction

 The Jaffar Express attack and the following military action have received considerable attention on social media. On X (previously Twitter), hashtags associated with the incident trended as users shared information, supported the victims, and commended security authorities for their prompt action.

 Narratives about terrorism have found a vital battlefield on social media. India has imposed strict social media restrictions to regulate online debate, while Pakistan aims to combat misinformation. Digital platforms are subject to stringent compliance regulations, such as content removals and monitoring systems, under the Indian Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021.

 Indian authorities defend these rules as essential to preserving national security despite criticism that they may stifle free speech. The Jaffar Express attack emphasizes the necessity of well-balanced laws that maintain accountability and transparency while thwarting false information.

 In conclusion

 The Jaffar Express incident serves as a sobering reminder of Pakistan’s continuous security issues. The security personnel’s successful operation shows their tenacity and dedication to civilian protection. Nonetheless, ongoing counterterrorism initiatives and regional collaboration are necessary in light of the growing wave of terrorism in Balochistan.

 The administration is still dedicated to eliminating terrorism and guaranteeing the safety of every Pakistani as the security operation goes on. We’ll keep you updated on this evolving story.