By Mehrzaad Baloch
The most significant train hijacking of the 21st century reveals deeper truths about the conflict in Balochistan.
Train hijackings are rare in modern times, but when they do occur, they often mark major political turning points. Historically, some of the most well-known train hijackings include the 1923 Lincheng Incident in China, where bandits hijacked a luxury train and held over 300 passengers hostage for 37 days. In the 1970s, Moluccan nationalists in the Netherlands hijacked trains in 1975 and 1977 to demand independence for their homeland, drawing international attention.
In 2009, over 300 Maoist rebels in India hijacked a passenger train in Jharkhand, briefly seizing control to pressure the Indian government.
Yet none of these compare to the scale, precision, and political impact of the Jaffar Express hijacking carried out by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) on March 11, 2025. Unlike past hijackings that were done for ransom or to create short-term pressure, the BLA’s action was different. It was part of a bigger nationalist movement that was strategic, disciplined and deeply symbolic.
By hijacking a major train in Balochistan carrying hundreds of military personnel, the BLA not only exposed serious flaws in Pakistan’s security system but also demonstrated how a modern liberation force can operate with precision and purpose. In terms of execution, messaging, and political clarity, the Jaffar Express hijacking is not only a significant regional achievement but also one of the most sophisticated and meaningful train hijackings in recent history.
Jaffar Express Hijacking and the BLA’s Revealing Video
The recent release of the Baloch Liberation Army’s (BLA) video documenting the Jaffar Express hijacking has clearly exposed the lies and contradictions in Pakistan’s official narrative. This operation, which the BLA has openly claimed with clear confidence, was not just a strategic blow to Pakistan’s military establishment; it was also a public humiliation that the state is desperately trying to spin through false claims and unverified statements.
On March 11, 2025, BLA fighters derailed the Jaffar Express in Bolan, Balochistan, and took control of the train. According to the BLA, they captured over 200 Pakistani security personnel, released civilians, and demanded a prisoner exchange within 48 hours, but Pakistan refused to negotiate. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack, calling it an act of terrorism, and the military launched a counteroperation involving air and ground forces. The BLA issued not just one but multiple deadlines, demanding a prisoner exchange. It later claimed to have executed the captives due to the state’s continued refusal to negotiate and its abandonment of its own soldiers.
From the moment the hijacking occurred, Pakistan’s ISPR (Inter-Services Public Relations) rushed to present a sanitized version of events, saying that the train was attacked by “terrorists,” that the Pakistan Army conducted a flawless rescue operation, and that all hostages were rescued. But the BLA’s video, released later, tells a completely different story and for once provides the kind of visual and operational proof that Pakistan’s state narrative sorely lacks.
Two-Phase Operation and Video Evidence
The video, released via the BLA’s official media platform Hakkal, spans 35 minutes and is titled Operation Dara-e-Bolan. It gives a full overview of the hijacking and what happened afterward, including combat footage, strategic planning, and final messages of ‘fidayeen’ fighters. According to the BLA, the operation was carried out in two phases.
The first phase, concluded in February 2024, involved the capture of Mach town and securing control over a 70-kilometre radius, including the NH-65 highway. The BLA claims 78 Pakistani personnel were killed and 13 BLA fighters, including 12 ‘fidayeen’ from the Majeed Brigade, sacrificed themselves. The second phase, beginning with the Jaffar Express hijacking, also included a Fidayee VBIED attack in Noshki, and according to the BLA, inflicted over 350 Pakistani military casualties, with 214 captured and over 100 injured.
Every claim made by the BLA in their statements was reinforced by this footage, including how the train was intercepted, how hostages were treated, and how civilians were released unharmed. This clearly counters Pakistan’s allegations of indiscriminate violence.
Pakistan’s Counter-Narrative and Its Cracks
In contrast, ISPR claimed the operation was a success, saying that all hostages were rescued and 33 militants were killed. Yet, in the same press briefing, they admitted that 21 passengers were killed by militants before the rescue. This contradiction raises serious questions. Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif praised the military’s performance, calling it “one of the most successful rescue missions ever,” but gave no evidence to support this claim. There was no footage, no names of those rescued, and no verifiable proof, just the usual empty statements.
Why hasn’t Pakistan shown proof of its so-called “successful rescue operation”? If, as they claim, dozens of BLA fighters were killed, why are there no bodies shown, no identities revealed? Why are the families of hostages not speaking publicly? Why was access to journalists blocked from the scene? These are questions Pakistan refuses to answer, because the truth is that this incident was a humiliating blow to its image both domestically and internationally.
BLA’s Rebuttal and Operational Messaging
A day after the ISPR’s statement, the BLA rejected Pakistan’s claims as propaganda. “The army spokesperson’s claims are a failed attempt to hide lies and defeat. The reality is that fighting continues on multiple fronts, and the enemy is taking heavy losses,” said BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch on March 13.
While ISPR claimed all militants were eliminated, the BLA said its fighters were still holding their positions. It also accused the military of abandoning its own personnel instead of negotiating for their release.
“The individuals Pakistan claims to have ‘recovered’ were actually released by the BLA under its war ethics and international norms,” the statement added. The BLA even invited independent media to verify facts on the ground, directly challenging Pakistan’s state narrative. The recent video itself features statements from the late General Aslam Baloch, founder of the Majeed Brigade, and current BLA chief Bashir Zeb Baloch, declaring an unrelenting commitment to war against occupation.
The BLA’s strategic messaging aimed to challenge Pakistan’s version by highlighting disciplined operations, respect for civilians and prisoners in accordance with international law, and strong commitment through martyrdom. The video includes the last words of the fidayeen fighters alongside scenes of battle planning and action, skillfully highlighting both their dedication and the careful strategy behind their operations. This powerful presentation highlights the BLA’s commitment and professionalism.
Blaming Foreign Handlers Again
Unable to provide evidence, Pakistan blamed a familiar target by pointing to India and Afghanistan. In a joint press conference, the ISPR and Balochistan’s Chief Minister accused India of backing the BLA and launching an AI-driven information war.
“Right after the train attack, Indian media began supporting the attackers,” said General Chaudhry, claiming they used old videos and AI-generated clips made by the BLA to glorify the incident.
He blamed India for sponsoring violence in Balochistan and called the Jaffer Express attack part of India’s “terrorist mindset.” He also accused Afghanistan of harboring militants involved in the attack, saying the masterminds were based near Pakistan’s northern border.
Despite rejecting the BLA’s claims, they provided no counter-video or forensic proof. The repeated blame on “foreign hands” not only lacks substance, it insults both Pakistanis and the global audience.
The BLA, in its 18 March statement, rejected these accusations and claimed the hijacking and associated operations marked the largest defeat for the Pakistani military in Balochistan’s history. The organization alleged that when Pakistan refused to negotiate, all 214 captives were executed on March 14. These claims present a stark contrast to the Pakistani military’s censored version.
The Broader Conflict and Media War
The Baloch liberation movement has endured for decades, driven by demands for political autonomy and complete independence. Organizations like the BLA cite forced disappearances, economic exploitation, resource plundering, and military operations as justification for armed struggle. Pakistan, on the other hand, labels these organisations “terrorists,” but has failed to address the systemic violence that fuels resistance.
The BLA’s recent video release shows a shift in its information strategy. It’s no longer just focused on fighting, but also on documenting events, using media effectively, and promoting its beliefs. Stories of fallen fighters, battlefield footage, and messages calling for independence are aimed not only at international audiences but also at inspiring new recruits to join the movement.
This is not just a battle of bullets. It is also a war of narratives, and Pakistan, with its declining credibility, seems to be losing both.
A Final Reckoning with Truth
The BLA’s video doesn’t just contradict Pakistan’s claims; it destroys them. It exposes the deep crisis within the Pakistani security apparatus and the propaganda machine it operates. It shows that organizations like the BLA are not only surviving but are capable of executing complex operations under the nose of one of the world’s most militarized states.
Pakistan wants the world to believe a simple story that it is a victim of terrorism. But incidents like the Jaffar Express hijacking reveal a more uncomfortable reality, one in which the state is the aggressor, the oppressor, and increasingly, the liar.
If the world truly wants to understand Balochistan, it must stop blindly trusting Pakistan’s press statements. It must start looking at the evidence, even when that evidence comes from liberation forces like the BLA, and ask, why is Pakistan so afraid of the truth?
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Balochistan Post or any of its editors.