Baloch Insurgency & Pakistan Train Hijacking
- March 12, 2025
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
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Baloch Insurgency & Pakistan Train Hijacking
Sub: IR
Sec: Places in news
Context: Insurgents of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) stopped along-distance train in a rugged, mountainous area south of Quetta and took passengers hostage on Tuesday
Overview of the Incident
- Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) insurgents hijacked a long-distance train between Pehu Korni and Gadalar.
- Casualties: 20 Pakistani Army personnel killed, 12 hostages taken.
- Train: Jaffar Express (running between Quetta and Peshawar).
- Location: Near Tunnel No. 8 in a rugged area of Balochistan.
- Significance: First major attack on a passenger train in recent years.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA)
- Type: Baloch nationalist militant group.
- Objective: Independence of Balochistan from Pakistan.
- Formation: Early 2000s.
- Declared a terrorist organization by Pakistan, UK, and the US.
- Key attacks:
- 2006: Targeted a Pakistani military convoy.
- 2024: Suicide bombing in Gwadar killed 5 Chinese nationals.
Balochistan Insurgency & Political Context
- Geopolitical Background:
- Balochistan remained independent until March 1948 before being merged with Pakistan.
- Khan of Kalat initially resisted joining Pakistan but later acceded under pressure.
- Strong Baloch nationalist sentiment has persisted.
- Economic & Resource Significance:
- Largest province by land area but least populated.
- Rich in gold, gas, and minerals.
- Underdeveloped compared to Punjab and Sindh.
- China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC):
- Baloch groups oppose Chinese investments, citing exploitation.
- Repeated attacks on Chinese workers and assets.