RAWALPINDI, /DNA/ – On 11 March 2025, Jaffar Express, traveling from Quetta to Peshawar was attacked by heavily armed terrorists near Sibi. The terrorists, after blowing up the railway track, took control of the train and held the passengers hostage including women, children and elderly, using them as human shields.

Security forces immediately responded to the situation. Displaying unwavering courage and professional excellence, our valiant troops engaged the terrorists with precision and after a prolonged, intense and daring operation, the security forces successfully eliminated all 33 terrorists including suicide bombers, while rescuing the hostages in a phased manner.

Tragically, during stage of this intense standoff, the terrorists took the lives of 21 innocent hostages, before the commencement of clearance operation.

Additionally, 4 brave security forces‘ soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat. Their selfless actions saved countless lives and prevented further catastrophe.

The security forces of Pakistan are working tirelessly to provide support and assistance to the families of the victims and the rescued hostages.

Sanitization operation is also being conducted in the area and abettors of this cowardly and henious act will be brought to justice.

Intelligence reports have unequivocally confirmed that the attack was orchestrated and directed by terrorist ring leaders operating from Afghanistan, who were in direct communication with the terrorists throughout the incident. Pakistan expects the Interim Afghan Government to uphold its responsibilities and deny use of its soil for terrorist activities against Pakistan.

The security forces of Pakistan remain steadfast in their resolve to eradicate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The sacrifices of innocent civilians and our brave soldiers further reinforce our unwavering commitment and resolve to safeguarding our nation at all costs.

DG ISPR says all 33 terrorists killed; four FC personnel martyred during operation

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: Security forces have eliminated all militants and rescued190 hostages in a clearance operation launched after an unknown number of heavily armed terrorists stormed a Peshawar-bound train in Balochistan’s Bolan district.

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed on Wednesday that no passengers were harmed during the clearance operation conducted by security forces after terrorists hijacked the Jaffer Express in Balochistan’s Bolan district.

“All 33 terrorists have been sent to hell….four frontier corps personnel embraced martyrdom during the clearance operation,” the DG ISPR said while speaking to a private news channel.

According to security sources, the forces successfully rescued a large number of hostages, including women and children, who had been used as human shields by the terrorists.

The clearance operation was carried out with extreme caution and skill, resulting in the saving of many innocent lives, security sources stated. It was also revealed that the number of passengers who had fallen victim to the terrorists’ brutality is being determined.

Jaffar Express, with over 400 passengers on board in nine bogies, was on its way from Quetta to Peshawar when it came under attack in the Dhadar area of Bolan Pass on Tuesday, according to security sources.

Following the attack, the security forces launched an immediate clearance operation, leading to the deaths of all terrorists, security sources reported. Security officials added that further details regarding the operation will be shared soon.

Security sources also confirmed that the terrorists responsible for the cowardly attack on the Jaffar Express were in contact with their mastermind in Afghanistan.

It all started after armed gunmen forced the train to a halt in a remote, mountainous area of the province on Tuesday afternoon, with the assault immediately claimed by the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a terrorist group behind rising violence in the province.

The attackers bombed the railway track before storming aboard the train, said the security forces.

Sources indicated that the railway tracks had been destroyed with explosives, causing the train to stop, after which firing began, resulting in the death of the driver and several passengers.

Railway authorities stated that mobile networks were not working in the area where the train was located, causing difficulties in communication.

Following the Jaffer Express incident, a help desk has been set up for passenger inquiries, and trains from Peshawar and Quetta have been stopped at the Sibi station.

Meanwhile, train services from Quetta to other regions of the country have been halted following a terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express.

According to railway authorities, no trains will operate from Quetta today until further notice due to security concerns.

After the terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express, Indian and anti-national social media platforms have been unusually active, spreading misleading information and false propaganda.

According to sources, propaganda and fake news are being spread through old videos, AI-generated videos, outdated images, fake WhatsApp messages, and posters in an attempt to incite hysteria.

Sources indicate that a malicious social media campaign is attempting to create panic among the public. Social media accounts linked to terrorists are also working with Indian media to spread anti-Pakistan rhetoric.

Security sources stated that Indian media is misleading the public by broadcasting analyses from self-exiled Baloch leaders sitting outside Pakistan. People are being misled, and the public is advised to rely on credible sources of information rather than the misleading and fabricated propaganda spread on social media.

President Asif Ali Zardari and PM Shhebaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack on the Jaffer Express, stating that attacks on innocent passengers are inhumane and reprehensible.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack, stating, “The beasts who fire on innocent passengers do not deserve any concessions.” He also expressed his hope for the speedy recovery of those injured in the attack.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 12 /DNA/ – China Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) in collaboration with China Media Group (CMG) organised a seminar titled “China in Spring: China’s Opportunities, Shared by the World.” The event highlighted China’s recently concluded Two Sessions, which set the course for the country’s governance, economic growth, and global engagement.

DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood welcomed dignitaries to the ISSI-CMG seminar, acknowledging the presence of Ambassador Jiang Zaidong. He highlighted the significance of China’s ‘Two Sessions,’ particularly in shaping economic policies, advancing high-tech industries, and setting a 5% GDP growth target for 2025. He noted Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s reaffirmation of China’s commitment to global stability, emphasizing China’s proactive global role through initiatives like the BRI, GDI, GSI, and GCI. Stressing the strength of Pakistan-China strategic ties, he underscored CPEC’s transformative role and new initiatives to enhance trade, job creation, and regional connectivity. While recognizing security challenges and evolving regional dynamics, he reaffirmed the resilience and unwavering commitment of both nations to overcoming challenges. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood underscored the role of media and think-tanks in fostering informed discourse, dispelling misconceptions, and strengthening mutual understanding in an evolving geopolitical landscape.

Ambassador Masood Khan, in his keynote address, highlighted the enduring strength of Pakistan-China relations, emphasizing their strategic, economic, and defence cooperation. He underscored CPEC’s evolution beyond infrastructure to include people-to-people exchanges and social development. He acknowledged China’s unprecedented progress and global rise and its role in fostering global economic cooperation through the Belt and Road Initiative. Addressing regional security, he stressed Pakistan’s ongoing fight against terrorism and called for greater understanding and collaboration with China. He emphasized the need to shape narratives positively and strengthen bilateral ties through strategic engagement.

The guest of honour, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Jiang Zaidong, highlighted the enduring China-Pakistan friendship, emphasizing mutual respect and expanding collaboration. He underscored China’s economic resilience, investing $3.6 trillion in tech-driven innovation, and advancing green projects. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s role in China’s strategic initiatives, particularly through CPEC and space cooperation. Stressing China’s leadership in poverty alleviation, job creation, and skill development, he also highlighted China’s diplomatic vision for fostering global peace and security. He called for China and Pakistan to work together as key partners in modernization, economic growth, and international stability. He highlighted the key takeaways from the Two Sessions as well as China’s diplomatic successes in recent years and its future outlook in terms of upholding fairness and justice and supporting peace and stability.

Ambassador Naghmana Hashmi highlighted China’s commitment to people-centered development, sustainability, and peaceful growth, strengthening regional and global cooperation. She emphasized the world’s growing recognition of China’s positive influence, contrasting it with rising defence concerns in some Western nations. She also underscored the importance of exploring new approaches to global challenges, as advocated by international leaders, in light of China’s continued economic and technological advancements.

Dr. Manzoor Khan Afridi highlighted China’s ‘Two Sessions’ as a key platform for policy consultation, emphasizing China’s focus on economic resilience, technological advancement, and global partnerships despite challenges. He praised China’s historical progress, commitment to shared global responsibility, opposition to unilateralism, and commitment to promote a stable, hierarchical, peaceful global order. Dr. Tahir Mumtaz Awan emphasized the importance of regional connectivity, trade, and infrastructure development within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), highlighting its role in economic growth and international cooperation.

Earlier in this remarks Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director, CPSC, highlighted the significance of China’s Two Sessions in shaping the country’s economic and governance policies, emphasizing their global impact. He underscored the opportunities these developments present for Pakistan, particularly in enhancing economic collaboration through CPEC.

The event was attended by diplomats, scholars, policy practitioners, and media professionals, reflecting broad interest and engagement in the discussions.

SIALKOT, Mar 12 (APP): The Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) organized an awareness session on import and export transactions in collaboration with Foreign Exchange Operations,

State Bank of Pakistan (SVP).

The session focused on key financial aspects of international trade, regulatory frameworks,

and banking facilitation.

Representatives from various commercial banks participated, sharing insights on streamlining

trade transactions and enhancing financial efficiency for the business community.

The session was attended by the Sialkot business community.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 12: The hostage rescue operation to free the passengers of the Jaffer Express in Balochistan’s Bolan district neared its culmination on Wednesday as security sources confirmed that most of those taken captive have been freed.

A day earlier, militants blew up a railway track, opened fire, and hijacked the train — which was on a 30-hour-long journey carrying around 400 passengers — from Quetta to Peshawar.

According to security sources, forces have rescued a large number of hostages, including women and children. The rescued civilians were being used as human shields by the terrorists.

During the operation, the security forces practiced utmost caution because of the innocent lives involved.

The number of passengers who embraced martyrdom is being determined, sources said, adding that all terrorists present at the site of the incident were killed.

Earlier, security sources stated that suicide bombers were holding women and children at three different locations, using them as human shields.

Play Video
Meanwhile, 37 injured individuals have been evacuated for medical treatment, security sources confirmed. The situation remains tense as efforts to neutralise the threat are ongoing.

After day-long efforts, the security forces successfully freed at least 190 hostages and eliminated 30 terrorists, pledging to continue the operation until the last militant is defeated.

The railway journey from Quetta to Peshawar includes various stops as it passes through at least 11 cities including Sibi, Jacobabad, Rohri, Khanpur, Bahawalpur, Khanewal, Sahiwal, Lahore, Gujranwala and Islamabad.

The attackers bombed the railway track before storming the train and opened fire on the locomotive, injuring the driver. The train, stopped just before a tunnel, was hijacked in a remote, mountainous region near the Afghanistan-Iran border.

‘It was terrifying’
One of the freed passengers thanked the forces for safely evacuating him from the hijacked train and acknowledged the efforts of the army and FC personnel in the security operation.

“There was gunfire, but by the grace of Allah, the army and FC personnel brought us to safety,” said one of the rescued passengers.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Bilal, who had been travelling with his mother on the Jafar Express train, told AFP: “I can’t find the words to describe how we managed to escape. It was terrifying.”

A soldier (right) hands out tea to freed train passengers gathered at the Mach railway station in Mach, Balochistan on March 11, 2025. — AFP
A soldier (right) hands out tea to freed train passengers gathered at the Mach railway station in Mach, Balochistan on March 11, 2025. — AFP
Meanwhile, railway officials said that the Bolan Mail and Jaffar Express, operating from Quetta to other parts of the country, have been suspended for three days.

Additionally, the passenger train from Quetta to Chaman has also not yet departed, railway officials stated.

Difficult terrain
After security forces launched the operation on Tuesday, the militants split into small groups, security sources said. Seventeen injured passengers were taken to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.

Navigating the difficult terrain, security forces cordoned off the area upon receiving word of the attack, they said, adding that despite the challenging route, forces reached the scene in the Mushqaf area of the Bolan district of Balochistan to initiate the operation.

The sources further revealed that the attackers were using satellite phones to communicate with international handlers, including a mastermind in Afghanistan.

Emergency measures
The Balochistan government has imposed emergency measures, and all institutions have been mobilised to deal with the situation, spokesperson Shahid Rind said.

A relief train and contingents of security forces were also dispatched to the site. Meanwhile, an emergency has been imposed in Sibi and Civil Hospital Quetta.

According to the provincial health department, all medical and paramedical staff have been summoned to Civil Hospital and several wards were vacated to deal with the situation.

Following the incident, an emergency information desk has been established at Quetta Railway Station. A railway official was appointed to share relevant developments regarding the Jaffar Express incident.

UN slams train attack
The United Nations condemned the terrorist attack in Balochistan against a Quetta-Peshawar passenger train and called for their immediate release.

“We’ve just seen the reports; We, of course, condemn any hostage taking, and we call on those who’ve taken people hostage to release them at once,”

The UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said in response to a question at the regular noon briefing in New York.

“But, we’re going to keep following the situation as it evolves,” he added.

Condemnations pour in
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express and praised the security forces for their effective and timely response.

The president lauded the valour of security forces for rescuing the passengers of Jaffar Express and said that attacks on innocent civilians and passengers were inhuman and condemnable acts.

Play Video
The Baloch nation strongly opposed those elements who had taken unarmed passengers, elders and children as hostage, he added.

President Zardari said neither any religion nor a society allowed such repugnant acts. He also prayed for the early recovery of those who sustained injuries during the attack.

Meanwhile, the prime minister said that officers and personnel of the forces were eliminating terrorists with bravery during the ongoing response.

He added that despite difficult terrain, the morale of the security forces was high, and they were pushing back the cowardly terrorists with their timely action.

PM Shehbaz expressed the hope that the security operation would soon meet with success and the terrorists would be eliminated, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

He said that the inhuman terrorists who launched the cowardly assault at Jaffar Express at Dhdhar-Bolan Pass did not deserve any concession. Terrorists were the enemies of progress and development of Balochistan province.

The premier said targeting of innocent passengers in the holy and blessed month of Ramadan proved it clearly that terrorists had no relation with Islam, Pakistan and Balochistan.

He also expressed the resolve of continuation of fight against terrorism till complete eradication of this specter from the country.

Any conspiracy to spread chaos and lawlessness in the country would be foiled, he said, adding that they would never allow enemies of the country to succeed in their nefarious designs.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack and prayed for the early recovery of the injured people. He added: “Beasts who opened fire on innocent passengers deserve no leniency.”

“Terrorists are the biggest threat to Pakistan,” said Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari while condemning the attack on the passenger train.

“Targeting innocent citizens by terrorists is a coward act,” he added.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also condemned the Jaffar Express incident and expressed concern for the safety of the train passengers taken hostage in Balochistan. He expressed wishes for their safe recovery.

Awami National Party (ANP) President Aimal Wali Khan said that attacks on innocent citizens are unacceptable and demanded strict action against the terrorists.

Rise in terror attacks
The country witnessed a sharp increase in terror attacks in January 2025, surging by 42% compared to the previous month, according to data released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), a think tank.

The data revealed that at least 74 militant attacks were recorded nationwide, resulting in 91 fatalities, including 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants.

Another 117 individuals sustained injuries, including 53 security forces personnel, 54 civilians, and 10 militants.

Balochistan also experienced a surge in militant activity, with at least 24 attacks, which claimed 26 lives, including 11 security personnel, six civilians, and nine militants.

QUETTA, MAR 12: Security forces continue their operation against terrorists, who have hijacked the Jaffar Express in Balochistan’s Bolan district, as suicide bombers have taken women and children hostage, making the rescue effort increasingly difficult, security sources said on Wednesday.

Militants blew up a railway track, opened fire, and hijacked the train — which was on a 30-hour-long journey carrying around 400 passengers — on Tuesday as it travelled from Quetta to Peshawar.

According to security sources, the suicide bombers are holding women and children at three different locations, using them as human shields.

The presence of hostages has forced security forces to exercise extreme caution in their operations, the sources mentioned.

Meanwhile, 37 injured individuals have been evacuated for medical treatment, security sources confirmed. The situation remains tense as efforts to neutralise the threat are ongoing.

After day-long efforts, the security forces successfully freed at least 190 hostages and eliminated 30 terrorists, pledging to continue the operation until the last militant is defeated.

The trains route. — Geo.tv illustration
The train’s route. — Geo.tv illustration
The railway journey from Quetta to Peshawar includes various stops as it passes through at least 11 cities including Sibi, Jacobabad, Rohri, Khanpur, Bahawalpur, Khanewal, Sahiwal, Lahore, Gujranwala and Islamabad.

The attackers bombed the railway track before storming the train and opened fire on the locomotive, injuring the driver. The train, stopped just before a tunnel, was hijacked in a remote, mountainous region near the Afghanistan-Iran border.

‘It was terrifying’
One of the freed passengers thanked the forces for safely evacuating him from the hijacked train and acknowledged the efforts of the army and FC personnel in the security operation.

“There was gunfire, but by the grace of Allah, the army and FC personnel brought us to safety,” said one of the rescued passengers.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Bilal, who had been travelling with his mother on the Jafar Express train, told AFP: “I can’t find the words to describe how we managed to escape. It was terrifying.”

A soldier (right) hands out tea to freed train passengers gathered at the Mach railway station in Mach, Balochistan on March 11, 2025. — AFP
A soldier (right) hands out tea to freed train passengers gathered at the Mach railway station in Mach, Balochistan on March 11, 2025. — AFP
Meanwhile, railway officials said that the Bolan Mail and Jaffar Express, operating from Quetta to other parts of the country, have been suspended for three days.

Additionally, the passenger train from Quetta to Chaman has also not yet departed, railway officials stated.

Difficult terrain
After security forces launched the operation on Tuesday, the militants split into small groups, security sources said. Seventeen injured passengers were taken to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.

Navigating the difficult terrain, security forces cordoned off the area upon receiving word of the attack, they said, adding that despite the challenging route, forces reached the scene in the Mushqaf area of the Bolan district of Balochistan to initiate the operation.

The sources further revealed that the attackers were using satellite phones to communicate with international handlers, including a mastermind in Afghanistan.

Emergency measures
The Balochistan government has imposed emergency measures, and all institutions have been mobilised to deal with the situation, spokesperson Shahid Rind said.

A relief train and contingents of security forces were also dispatched to the site. Meanwhile, an emergency has been imposed in Sibi and Civil Hospital Quetta.

According to the provincial health department, all medical and paramedical staff have been summoned to Civil Hospital and several wards were vacated to deal with the situation.

Following the incident, an emergency information desk has been established at Quetta Railway Station. A railway official was appointed to share relevant developments regarding the Jaffar Express incident.

UN slams train attack
The United Nations condemned the terrorist attack in Balochistan against a Quetta-Peshawar passenger train and called for their immediate release.

“We’ve just seen the reports; We, of course, condemn any hostage taking, and we call on those who’ve taken people hostage to release them at once,”

The UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said in response to a question at the regular noon briefing in New York.

“But, we’re going to keep following the situation as it evolves,” he added.

Condemnations pour in
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express and praised the security forces for their effective and timely response.

The president lauded the valour of security forces for rescuing the passengers of Jaffar Express and said that attacks on innocent civilians and passengers were inhuman and condemnable acts.

Play Video
The Baloch nation strongly opposed those elements who had taken unarmed passengers, elders and children as hostage, he added.

President Zardari said neither any religion nor a society allowed such repugnant acts. He also prayed for the early recovery of those who sustained injuries during the attack.

Meanwhile, the prime minister said that officers and personnel of the forces were eliminating terrorists with bravery during the ongoing response.

He added that despite difficult terrain, the morale of the security forces was high, and they were pushing back the cowardly terrorists with their timely action.

PM Shehbaz expressed the hope that the security operation would soon meet with success and the terrorists would be eliminated, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

He said that the inhuman terrorists who launched the cowardly assault at Jaffar Express at Dhdhar-Bolan Pass did not deserve any concession. Terrorists were the enemies of progress and development of Balochistan province.

The premier said targeting of innocent passengers in the holy and blessed month of Ramadan proved it clearly that terrorists had no relation with Islam, Pakistan and Balochistan.

He also expressed the resolve of continuation of fight against terrorism till complete eradication of this specter from the country.

Any conspiracy to spread chaos and lawlessness in the country would be foiled, he said, adding that they would never allow enemies of the country to succeed in their nefarious designs.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack and prayed for the early recovery of the injured people. He added: “Beasts who opened fire on innocent passengers deserve no leniency.”

“Terrorists are the biggest threat to Pakistan,” said Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari while condemning the attack on the passenger train.

“Targeting innocent citizens by terrorists is a coward act,” he added.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also condemned the Jaffar Express incident and expressed concern for the safety of the train passengers taken hostage in Balochistan. He expressed wishes for their safe recovery.

Awami National Party (ANP) President Aimal Wali Khan said that attacks on innocent citizens are unacceptable and demanded strict action against the terrorists.

Rise in terror attacks
The country witnessed a sharp increase in terror attacks in January 2025, surging by 42% compared to the previous month, according to data released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), a think tank.

The data revealed that at least 74 militant attacks were recorded nationwide, resulting in 91 fatalities, including 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants.

Another 117 individuals sustained injuries, including 53 security forces personnel, 54 civilians, and 10 militants.

Balochistan also experienced a surge in militant activity, with at least 24 attacks, which claimed 26 lives, including 11 security personnel, six civilians, and nine militants.