The recent Pakistan Train Hijack of Jaffar Express in Pakistan has reverberated throughout the nation, as well as beyond. This incident, besides security fears amplify the ongoing conflict in Balochistan. In the following write-up we will explore the gory details of this, the parties involved and how this incident affects on ground population as well long term geopolitical implications.
The Incident Unfolds
The Jaffar Express, a passenger train running from Quetta to Peshawar was hijacked like in an otherwise ordinary day. Initial reports said there were about 120 people on board, but they might have counted as many as 400-500 nowadays. The situation became very wide open when armed militants of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) took charge of the train, Pakistan Train Hijack causing panic among the passengers.
Six Pakistani soldiers were said to have been killed in the hijack event in the recently reported violence. The BLA claimed credit claiming that these killings were in response to regular patrolling by the army in the region.
A blunt statement: Should any military incursion happens, we shall start killing hostages.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA)
A Separatist Group of the Baloch people seeking for the independence from a Pakistani occupation. Their discontent has been fueled by generations of what they feel is plundering of Balochistan’s natural resources that are routinely credited by the state and by foreign powers rather than being used for the benefit of the local people.
Pakistani Government Reaction
After the Pakistan Train Hijack, Pakistani controlled territory are on edge. Hospitals in the area have been placed on an emergency footing as security forces mobilized to brace for possible casualties. The military is sending in more troops to the vicinity of the hijacking to figure out what is going on and develop a response.
Prime Minister Shehbaz sharif and the other government stood against the attack called it a barbaric terrorist attack. As it is a fluid situation with large element of uncertainty for the hostages safety, the situation still remains delicate.
Damage to the Pakistan Rail Network
Not only the immediate pain of the hijacking, but it has also put in question the security posture of Pakistan Railway in general. This is because Jaffar Express being a well travelled route and therefore the incident shows how difficult it is to protect passengers while rail security is filled with loopholes due to increasing terrorism.
Enhanced Security: Train security is likely to be tightened in the wake of the incident as more surveillance and armed escorting could well be announced for high-risk routes.
Passenger Confidence: Hijacking can inversely affect train travelers in a sense, fewer travelers and therefore economic implications if not as drastic then at least minor for any railway sector.
Consequences in the Long Term: Instability within Balochistan could also continue to frustrate the rail network and economy if major routes fall into disrepair as well.
Broader Geopolitical Setting
This incident of hijacking is one part of the Balochistan geopolitics — a larger story. This part has high strategic importance as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), proposed route to be constructed in Balochistan and the intentions, of which are strengthening trade and connectivity between China-Pakistan. But local groups such as BLA fiercely oppose CPEC to them this is nothing but colonialism and takes their rights and sovereignty away.
Balochistan is strategically important to global powers, not only in Pakistan that is the main reason why the region and its stability are watched over by the international community.
This insurgent insurgency is a very serious test for Pakistan government that has so far faced economically, political stagnation and still many other challenges.
Future Prospects and Potential Resolutions
Many questions regarding the fate of hostagee as well as that of Balochistan conflict emerge as the situation develops. Pak government next steps in the hostage situation? Will they negotiate with BLA or launch an offensive?
The resolution of this crisis could also signal what comes next for how our government will deal with such crises in the future, even from such a remote location.
Any overly assertive military response will further inflame the situation, but a negotiated solution seems to imply weakness. Baloch people are equally having legitimate grievances and the balance between keeping law and order with a few concessions may prove to be hard.
Conclusion
The Pakistan Train Hijack of Jaffar express just needs a break to realize how complicated we had in Pakistan — specially Balochistan. The competition of domestic problems, national security and international interests will make combining playing field for any stakeholders. We keep watching and providing updates of the developments as more known, even more needed is for all stakeholders to think of the toll of such wars and the pressing necessity of a sustainable resolution that recognizes the Baloch rights, security of us too shall lie.
