ISPR: Pakistan Army Rescues Hostages from Train Hijacked by BLA

Pakistan's security forces have successfully rescued 190 passengers from a train hijacked by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) in the country's southwest region of Balochistan, with around 250 people still on the train and the situation remaining tense.

The BLA, a separatist group seeking independence for Balochistan, had seized the train carrying around 450 passengers, including army personnel, and threatened to execute hostages unless Baloch political prisoners and activists are released. The group has been active in the region, which is rich in natural resources, and has carried out several attacks on trains, buses, and Chinese-backed infrastructure.

The Pakistani government has condemned the attack, with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif denouncing it as an act of terrorism. The BLA has claimed responsibility for the attack and has offered to negotiate a prisoner swap. The operation to free the remaining hostages is ongoing, with officials saying they are proceeding with caution due to the presence of BLA fighters wearing explosive vests.

In a separate development, Pakistan's army has freed over 300 hostages from a passenger train hijacked by militants in Balochistan province. 33 militants were killed in the operation, while 21 civilians and 4 military personnel were killed by the BLA before the operation began. The attack occurred near a mountain tunnel, where the militants blew up a section of the tracks and opened fire on the train, causing "doomsday scenes" among passengers.

The situation remains volatile, with the Pakistani government and security forces working to resolve the crisis and ensure the safe release of the remaining hostages. The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by Pakistan, particularly in the Balochistan region, where separatist groups have been active for years.