How Balochistan Uprising Has Gained Momentum in Last 6 Months?- wna24

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa: The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), that hijacked the Peshawar-bound train Jaffar Express on Tuesday, has issued a 48-hour ultimatum for prisoner exchange. This is not the first attack orchestrated by the BLA, but highlights the ongoing insurgency in Balochistan. 

The decades-long feud of the Baloch rebels against the Pakistani state has intensified, especially in the last six months. Read to know about the Balochistan Uprising and how it has gained momentum in the recent past…

Also Read: Baloch Rebels Issue 48-Hour ‘Final & Irrevocable’ Ultimatum to Pakistan Army For Prisoner Swap, Over 30 Dead

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has been fighting for decades, for an independent state of Balochistan, a province in south-western Pakistan; it is a separatist organisation that has claimed responsibility for multiple deadly and destructive attacks in the past. 

The BLA’s objectives stem from a desire for increased autonomy and control in the region and by claiming responsibility for the shocking train hijacking of the Jaffar Express in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the group has shown its increasing confidence, enhanced capabilities and their hell-bent attitude towards the fulfilment of their demands.

Also Read: How Baloch Liberation Army Hijacked Jaffar Express From Quetta

Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by area, is home to around 15 million people. The region is primarily composed of arid deserts and mountainous terrain, rich in untapped mineral resources. It serves as the heartland for Pakistan’s Baloch ethnic minority, who claim to face systemic discrimination and exploitation by the central government. The province has been the focal point of a prolonged insurgency led by separatist militant groups, which have launched attacks against government forces, the military, and Chinese interests. These groups demand a larger share of the province’s gas and mineral wealth, with the BLA, the most prominent among them, advocating for Balochistan’s independence.

According to Dhak – 2024, the annual report released by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), they have claimed 302 attacks in 2024, killing over 545 enemy army personnel and injuring over 378 others. Including the Jaffar Express hijacking that has killed over 30 people with hundreds of passengers held hostage, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility of four major terror attacks in the last six months. Collectively, these attacks have killed over 130 people including security officials. 

1. On August 26, 2024, a series of attacks was reported in Balochistan, that killed 74 people, including 14 soldiers; the responsibility of this attack was claimed by the BLA.
2. A month later, an attack took place on the airport motorway of the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi on October 6; two Chinese nationals were killed in this terror attack and ten other people were injured. Once again, the Balochistan Liberation Army claimed the responsibility of this attack.
3. 32 people, including the perpetrator, were killed and 55 others were injured in a suicide bombing attack at the Quetta Railway Station on November 9, 2024; the attack was orchestrated by the BLA.
4. On March 11, the Jaffar Express, travelling to Peshawar from Quetta with over 500 passengers, was hijacked by the Baloch rebels. So far, 30 people have been killed and 214 security personnel captured by the BLA have been declared as the prisoners of war. A 48-hour ultimatum has been issued and the Pakistan Army has been warned, “If our demands are not met within the stipulated period or if the occupying state attempts any military action during this time, all prisoners of war will be neutralized, and the train will be completely destroyed.”

The Jaffar Express, carrying approximately 500 passengers in nine coaches, was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar when it came under gunfire between Gudalaar and Piru Koneri. Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind confirmed reports of heavy gunfire targeting the Jaffar Express between Pehro Kunri and Gadalar. 

Local hospitals have declared an emergency, and security sources have indicated that the operation will persist until all militants are neutralized. They also mentioned that the challenging terrain is complicating the operation. As per the latest update, the security officials have killed 16 terrorists and rescued 104 passengers.

Also Read: Pak Train Hijack: Rescue Train With Heavy Forces, Doctors Rushed From Quetta For Rescue Operation

As per the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) to the Pakistan Army, “Baloch Liberation Army freedom fighters, through planned military strategy and aggressive advances, forced the ground and air reinforcements of the occupying Pakistani army to retreat after eight hours of fighting. In the clashes that continued for several hours, more than 30 enemy personnel have been eliminated so far, with many others wounded, while the occupying forces have suffered heavy losses.

BLA has maintained complete control of the train and all hostages for the past eight hours. Under the rules of war, these 214 hostages are considered prisoners of war, and BLA is prepared for a prisoner exchange. The occupying state of Pakistan is given 48 hours to immediately and unconditionally release Baloch political prisoners, forcibly disappeared persons, and national resistance activists.

The 214 Pakistani personnel, including military, paramilitary, police, and intelligence officers, are being held under full security and in accordance with the rules of war by the BLA. If our demands are not met within the stipulated period, or if the occupying state attempts any military action during this time, all prisoners of war will be neutralized, and the train will be completely destroyed. The Pakistani army will bear full responsibility for the consequences. 

This announcement is final and irrevocable. The occupying enemy is warned that the BLA is fully capable of effectively and promptly implementing every decision it makes.”