Armed militants seized a train carrying more than 450 passengers in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province on Tuesday, marking one of the largest hostage crises in the region this decade. The attackers bombed railway tracks in Sibi district, forcing the train to halt before taking control and injuring the driver, according to provincial officials.
The banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility, calling it a response to what it described as 'state exploitation of Baloch resources.' The incident has intensified scrutiny of security protocols along critical transit routes in the resource-rich province, where separatist groups have long opposed federal governance.
Local authorities confirmed emergency negotiations are underway, while security forces established a perimeter around the area. Analysts note the attack coincides with rising tensions ahead of Pakistan's federal budget announcement, which includes major infrastructure investments in Balochistan.
The affected train—traveling between Quetta and Rawalpindi—is part of a vital transport corridor linking China-Pakistan Economic Partnership (CPEC) projects. Business leaders warn prolonged instability could deter foreign investment in regional connectivity initiatives.
This crisis highlights the complex security challenges facing South Asia's trade-dependent economies. As night falls, families of hostages await updates amid nationwide calls for a swift resolution.
