BLA Issues 24-Hour Ultimatum to Pakistan For Prisoner Swap in Jaffar Express Hostage Crisis
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has given Pakistan a final 24-hour deadline to negotiate a prisoner swap for approximately 150 hostages held from the hijacked Jaffar Express. The group claims to have executed over 100 captives, escalating tensions in Balochistan.
The Jaffar Express, carrying around 500 passengers, was attacked by BLA militants between Gudalaar and Piru Koneri in a tunnel while en route from Quetta to Peshawar. The group initially took 182 hostages, demanding the release of Baloch political prisoners. Reports indicate the train was fired upon, halting its journey and sparking a major security crisis.
In a fresh statement, the BLA accused Pakistan of delaying tactics and ignoring the lives of its military personnel. The group claims to have executed 50 more hostages, raising the death toll to over 100. The militants warned, “Each passing moment will bring more serious consequences for the enemy.”
The BLA stated that hostages will face trials in the “Baloch National Court” for alleged state atrocities and war crimes. The group described the process as prompt, impartial, and transparent. If found guilty, captives will be punished under what the BLA calls “Baloch national laws.”
The BLA had initially set a 48-hour ultimatum for Pakistan to exchange prisoners, which began after the train’s hijacking on Tuesday. With 24 hours now remaining, the group insists Pakistan must act to save the remaining 150 hostages. The statement read, “Pakistan is not serious about saving the lives of its own military personnel.”
The Pakistani government has not yet issued an official response to the BLA’s latest demands or claims of executions. Security forces are reportedly engaged in efforts to resolve the crisis, but details remain scarce. The situation continues to unfold amid heightened alert in Balochistan.
The militants urged Pakistan to “abandon propaganda” and take practical steps for a prisoner swap. “The decisions of the Baloch National Resistance will be irreversible,” the BLA cautioned in its statement. The group’s actions mark a sharp escalation in the ongoing insurgency in the region.
As the 24-hour deadline approaches, all eyes are on Pakistan’s next move to address the hostage crisis. Authorities may intensify rescue operations or open negotiations to prevent further loss of life. Updates are expected as the situation develops in Balochistan.
