The train hijacking in south-western Pakistan represents a major escalation in the region’s long-running insurgency.

The BLA is one of the largest militant outfits demanding independence for Balochistan. It is designated as a terrorist group by Pakistan as well as the US.

Mehboob Hussain was riding the train home on Tuesday when the tracks under the front car exploded. In the depths of central Pakistan's Bolan Pass, a pocket of wilderness so remote that there is no internet or mobile network coverage, the nine-coach Jaffar Express ground to a halt. Then the bullets started flying.

Militants in Balochistan, spearheaded by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), have claimed the execution of 50 hostages following a train hijacking involving over 400 passengers. The incident escalated with explosive attacks on railway tracks,

Pakistan train hijack HIGHLIGHTS Militants hijacked the Jaffar Express train in Balochistan on Tuesday, taking several passengers hostage. The train, traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, was stopped near Tunnel No.

The death toll from a militant hijacking of a train in Pakistan's southwestern mountains has risen to 31 soldiers, staff and civilians, the military said on Friday as it accused India and Afghanistan of backing the insurgents.