Survivors of the horrifying train attack in Pakistan have shared their chilling experiences following their 48-hour hostage ordeal. Passengers recounted severe abuse at hands of Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) militants who opened fire on soldiers aboard Zafar Express.

Pakistani government has since declared a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and vowed to track down the perpetrators. Following the attack Quetta Railway Station became an emergency treatment center where initial medical aid provided to injured. Those in critical condition later transferred to advanced medical facilities.

Survivors revealed that the BLA militants deliberately targeted passengers from Punjab. One survivor described how their train derailed due to a bomb explosion but narrowly avoided overturning. Armed attackers then fired indiscriminately at passengers, forcing many to hide with their heads down for hours.

“We held hostage for nearly 30 hours without food or water,” one passenger recalled. “Some of us had to drink water from the train’s bathroom to survive.”

Zafar Express was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar when it ambushed near tunnel in remote mountainous region along Iran-Afghan border. Around 450 passengers were on board at the time.

Pakistan’s Special Services Group (SSG) alongside the Air Force and Frontier Corps launched rescue mission. Operation involved snipers taking out BLA attackers before entering the train cars to ensure passenger safety.

Officials confirmed that their goal to eliminate terrorists while ensuring all hostages were freed — mission they claimed successful.

Baloch Liberation Army’s Growing Presence

The attack has once again thrust the Baloch Liberation Army into the spotlight. The militant group, known for its separatist agenda, has carried out several high-profile attacks in recent years.

BLA has long demanded independence for Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest yet least populated province rich in natural resources but economically underdeveloped.

BLA emerged in early 2000s under leadership of Marri group and intensified its activities in 2006 following death of prominent leader Nawab Akbar Bugti.

Group frequently targets Pakistani security forces and infrastructure projects linked to China’s investments in the region.

In 2018, BLA attacked the Chinese consulate in Karachi followed by a 2022 assault on Karachi University. BLA’s recent attacks believed to involve American-made weapons reportedly acquired after US military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.

Pakistan has accused India of financially supporting BLA an allegation India has denied. Group’s operational base suspected to span neighboring Iran and Afghanistan where BLA leaders are believed to be directing activities.

Read more: Justin Trudeau’s Playful Gesture Sparks Buzz After Resigning as Prime Minister

With highly educated leaders including former military officers and university graduates BLA continues to expand its reach. As tensions rise concerns grow over future escalations in volatile Balochistan region.