Over 150 passengers rescued as Pakistani forces battle militants hijacking Jaffar Express
Baloch Liberation Army claims responsibility; 27 militants killed in ongoing operation
Islamabad: Pakistani security forces have rescued at least 155 passengers and killed 27 militants following the hijacking of the Jaffar Express in Balochistan. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group, has claimed responsibility for the attack and continues to hold several hostages.
The train, carrying 425 passengers, was en route from Quetta to Peshawar when militants ambushed it near the Mashkaf tunnel on Tuesday. The attackers blew up the railway track, forcing the train to a halt before seizing control of multiple compartments.
Security operations continued into Wednesday, with additional forces and helicopters deployed. A senior police official, Rana Dilawar, confirmed that the train remains stationary as armed militants hold passengers hostage. The BLA has claimed it is holding 214 hostages and has killed 30 security personnel, though Pakistani authorities have yet to confirm these figures.
The militant group has demanded the release of political prisoners and missing persons, threatening to execute hostages, including Army personnel, if their demands are not met within 48 hours.
In response, authorities have imposed emergency measures at hospitals in Sibi and Quetta, where injured passengers are being treated. Emergency desks have also been set up at railway stations in Peshawar and Quetta for relatives seeking information.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari have condemned the attack, vowing strict action against those responsible. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that "those who fire on innocent passengers do not deserve any concessions."
Balochistan has witnessed a surge in militant attacks over the past year. In November 2024, a suicide blast at Quetta Railway Station claimed 26 lives and injured 62 people.
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Dr Boby Chemmanur felicitated at Vidhana Soudha by Speaker UT Khader for world record run
Bengaluru: Dr Boby Chemmanur was felicitated by Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader Fareed at a special function held at Vidhana Soudha.
Dr Chemmanur, popularly known as “BoChe”, was honoured for successfully completing an 812-kilometre run aimed at spreading the message of world peace. The achievement earned him recognition in the Unique World Records and the Guinness World Records.
Dr Chemmanur has also received several prestigious awards and honours, including the Mother Teresa Award, for his contributions to social service.
Speaker U.T. Khader also spoke about Dr Chemmanur’s achievement in the Legislative Assembly and congratulated him for the accomplishment.
Deputy Speaker Rudrappa Lamani, Agriculture Minister Cheluvarayaswamy and MLA and Chief Minister’s legal advisor Ponnanna were present on the occasion.
