A clearance operation is currently underway as terrorists have reportedly taken train passengers, including women and children, hostage in Balochistan’s Bolan district, according to security sources.
The incident occurred on Tuesday morning when the Jaffar Express, carrying more than 400 passengers in nine bogies, was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar through the Gudalaar and Piru Koneri areas.
Armed militants forced the train to stop in the mountainous region near Mach, where they allegedly took passengers hostage. Eyewitness accounts and Levies sources reported continuous gunfire as the train came to a halt.
The attackers injured the train driver and took control of the train inside a tunnel. The passengers are being held captive in the rugged, remote area near the province’s borders with Afghanistan and Iran.
Security personnel have arrived at the scene in the Mushqaf area of Bolan district to address the situation, according to a railway official.
Meanwhile, the Railway Police confirmed the train’s forced stop, noting around 500 passengers were on board. Although there are unverified reports of injuries among the passengers, the incident remains under investigation.
