Pakistan Train Hijack: BLA Sets 48-Hour Deadline, Demands Prisoner Swap For 214 Hostages

Last Updated:March 11, 2025, 22:34 IST

Pakistani separatist militant group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for hijacking the train and holding 214 passengers hostage.

A man stands near charred truck containers torched by armed separatist group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) at central Bolan district in Balochistan. (IMAGE: AFP FILE)

Pakistani separatist militant group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) issued a fresh deadline to the Pakistani government on Tuesday demanding the release of Baloch political prisoners in exchange for the 214 hostages it is holding.

In its newly released statement, it called the Pakistani government an “occupying state" and listed its demands. “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 statement said.

“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," Jeeyand Baloch, spokesperson for the Baloch Liberation Army, said.

Islamabad, Pakistan

News world Pakistan Train Hijack: BLA Sets 48-Hour Deadline, Demands Prisoner Swap For 214 Hostages