Machh: At least 80 passengers of Jaffer Express, which came under attack by militants on Tuesday afternoon, have reached Machh Railway Station, where they are receiving initial medical aid.
Local sources of Human Online reported from Machh Station, that the relief train carrying the passengers arrived at 11 AM under strict security arrangements.
According to railway officials, the passengers were transported from Paneer Station to Machh via the relief train. Among them are 43 men, 26 women, and 11 children.
Pakistan’s military sources have confirmed that 13 militants involved in the attack have been killed, while several others have sustained injuries. The ongoing operation has forced the militants to split into smaller groups, leading to intense firefights.
Wounded passengers have been shifted to a nearby hospital, while additional security forces have been deployed to intensify the operation.
According to the Minister of State for Interior Affairs, Talal Chaudhry, many passengers were taken by the militants to a mountainous area, where women and children are reportedly being used as human shields.
Speaking on Geo News’ program Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath, Chaudhry confirmed that both government officials and civilians were aboard the train.
"This incident took place in a remote area, between two stations near a tunnel. Security forces rescued several passengers, and they have been transported to their destinations," he stated.
Contrary to some reports, Chaudhry denied that the militants had released women and children. "Security forces are proceeding with extreme caution due to the presence of hostages, and the operation is still underway," he added.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari strongly condemned the attack, calling militants the "biggest threat to Pakistan."
"Targeting innocent civilians is a cowardly act," he said, urging the Balochistan government to declare an emergency to handle the crisis effectively.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also denounced the attack, stating that those who fire upon innocent passengers deserve no leniency.
Similarly, Awami National Party (ANP) President Senator Aimal Wali Khan called the attack an act of brutal terrorism, condemning the militants for using civilians as a tool to achieve their objectives.
According to military sources, militants attacked the Quetta-to-Peshawar-bound Jaffer Express in the Bolan Pass area of Balochistan, taking passengers hostage. The situation remains critical as security forces continue their efforts to rescue those held captive.
