Brutal Train Attack in Balochistan: Survivors Reveal Horrifying Details

Passengers Describe the Violence Inflicted by Baloch Militants

Survivors of a deadly train attack in Pakistan’s Balochistan province have shared chilling accounts of how Baloch militants targeted passengers based on their identity cards. Women and children were separated, while many others were brutally executed.

Attack on Zafar Express: How It Unfolded

Passengers on the Zafar Express, traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, experienced a nightmare when militants stormed the train. Survivors report that the rebels immediately began executing passengers. Those deemed high-risk by the militants were taken hostage and led into remote mountainous areas.

The Pakistani military responded with an intense operation that lasted nearly 30 hours. Officials claim that 33 militants were killed in the gunfight, and more than 300 passengers were rescued. However, confusion remains over the total number of civilian casualties. According to the military, at least 28 passengers were killed by the attackers.

Survivor Testimonies: “They Killed Passengers After Checking IDs”

Noman Ahmed, a resident of Punjab, was returning home for Eid when the train was ambushed. Recalling the terrifying moments, he said, “The train was moving when suddenly an explosion rang out. We dropped to the floor, hoping to survive. I quickly locked the compartment door, thinking it would protect us. But within moments, armed militants broke in.”

Noman described how the attackers separated women and children from the rest of the passengers. Those left behind were forced off the train and led into the mountains. Several passengers sustained injuries that rendered them immobile.The gunmen entered again and shot them dead on the spot,” he added.

“They Selected Who Would Live and Who Would Die”

Muhammad Naveed, another survivor, told AFP that the militants checked identity cards before deciding whom to kill. We were instructed to disembark individually.Women and older people were moved aside. We were told, ‘Don’t resist; you will not be harmed.’ But once we were outside, they selectively executed people after checking their identification.”

A Family’s Desperate Plea for Survival

Babar Masih, 38, boarded the train to take a sick relative to the hospital. He shared how desperate pleas saved their lives. “The women begged for mercy. After much pleading, they let us go. The militants told us, ‘Run and don’t look back.’ As we fled, we also saw others running for their lives.”

Military Response: A Fierce Gun Battle

The attack occurred in Bolan, Balochistan, with the train carrying around 450 passengers. Pakistani security forces engaged the insurgents in a prolonged gunfight that lasted from Tuesday night until Wednesday.

By the time the operation concluded, the military claimed to have eliminated all militants. Survivors were rescued, but the horrifying ordeal has left a lasting impact. Many families are still searching for missing loved ones while officials continue to investigate the full extent of the tragedy.

A Devastating Act of Terrorism

This brutal attack on innocent civilians highlights the ongoing security challenges in Balochistan. Survivors’ testimonies reveal the calculated nature of the militants’ violence, sparking national outrage. As Pakistan mourns the lives lost, there is an urgent call for stronger security measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.