Strongly condemning the attack on a Peshawar-bound passenger train from Quetta near Bolan district in Balochistan, Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control Talal Chaudhry stated on Tuesday that the assailants had moved some passengers to a nearby mountainous area.
Speaking on Geo News’ program *Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath*, Chaudhry revealed that the terrorists were using women and children as human shields, which forced security forces to proceed with caution to protect innocent lives.
Railway officials reported that 57 passengers from the Jaffar Express were safely transported to Quetta early Wednesday morning, while 23 others remained in Machh. Earlier in the day, terrorists had attacked the train in Balochistan’s Bolan district, taking several passengers, including women and children, hostage.
The train, carrying over 400 passengers across nine coaches, was en route from Quetta to Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa when it was targeted. Security sources confirmed the attack occurred around noon in a remote area. Chaudhry explained that some passengers were freed as security forces arrived at the scene, though he could not provide exact numbers at the time.
The minister confirmed that the freed passengers were being taken to the nearest station and would eventually reach their intended destinations. He also noted that the hostages included government officials and their families. Chaudhry emphasized that women and children were not released by the attackers but were rescued through the efforts of security forces.
Describing the attackers as “cowards,” Chaudhry criticized their tactics of targeting vulnerable groups and hiding behind civilians. He also expressed concern over the support such incidents receive on social media, both from within Pakistan and from external enemies, though he did not name any specific groups.
Chaudhry called on the international community to support Pakistan in its fight against terrorism, citing evidence that these terrorists receive backing from Afghanistan and are funded by drug money originating there.
During the ongoing clearance operation, security forces successfully neutralized at least 13 attackers and rescued 80 hostages, including 53 men, 26 women, and 11 children. The operation continues to secure the release of remaining hostages, with security forces tightening their perimeter around the terrorists.
Following the initial attack, the militants reportedly split into smaller groups. Seventeen injured passengers were transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care. Security forces swiftly cordoned off the train after the attack began, engaging in a heavy exchange of fire with the terrorists.
Security sources revealed that the attackers were in contact with their mastermind in Afghanistan and were using women and children as human shields. The operation has been complicated by the difficult terrain and the presence of civilians onboard, requiring extreme caution.
The attackers reportedly bombed the railway track before boarding the train and opened fire on the locomotive, injuring the driver. The situation remains tense as security forces work to resolve the crisis and ensure the safety of all passengers.
