Categories: Newsworld

“200 Coffins Arrive”: Pakistan Prepares for Heavy Losses as BLA Standoff Escalates

Baloch Liberation Army Warns of Hostage Executions; Pakistan Military Faces Toughest Test Yet

Balochistan [Pakistan], March 13: The hostage crisis aboard the Jaffar Express has taken a deadly turn, with over 200 coffins being transported to Quetta Railway Station, signaling expectations of significant military casualties.

As the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) refuses to back down, the Pakistani military appears to have rejected negotiations, putting its own personnel at risk. The situation remains on high alert, with fears of mass executions if Pakistan fails to act swiftly.

“More than 200 wooden coffins have been brought to Quetta Railway Station. This means that the Pakistani army has decided against negotiations and is prepared for its military personnel to be killed,” said human rights activist Amjad Ayub Mirza in a grim statement.

Reports suggest that 30-40 military personnel have already lost their lives, with hospitals in Quetta placed under emergency status as tensions mount.

BLA’s Chilling Ultimatum: “Execute Five Hostages for Every Hour of Delay”

The BLA, which hijacked the Jaffar Express on Tuesday, is holding over 200 hostages, including Pakistani military, paramilitary, police, and intelligence officials. The insurgent group has issued a 24-hour ultimatum, demanding:

✅ Immediate release of Baloch political prisoners
✅ Freedom for detained resistance fighters
✅ An end to military operations in Balochistan

If the Pakistani government fails to respond, the BLA has threatened to execute five hostages for every hour of delay and put them on trial in a Baloch National Court.

“If Pakistan does not take practical steps within the remaining 24 hours, we will present the hostages before the Baloch National Court. The state’s refusal to negotiate proves their disregard for human lives,” the BLA said in its latest statement.

Pakistani Army Responds with Military Force, But at What Cost?

In a desperate counteroffensive, Pakistan’s military launched a rescue operation, reportedly freeing 190 passengers and killing 30 BLA militants. However, the situation remains volatile, with gunfire still being exchanged in the rugged Bolan Pass.

The Jaffar Express, carrying nearly 450 passengers, was attacked by BLA insurgents armed with bombs and guns, leading to the death of the train driver and injuring at least 37 people.

The Pakistani government has accused Afghanistan-based militants of orchestrating the attack, blaming the Afghan Taliban for harboring BLA fighters—an allegation that Kabul has denied.

Balochistan on Fire: A Deadly Insurgency Against Pakistan

The Baloch Liberation Army, which has been waging an armed resistance against Pakistan, claims that:

Balochistan’s natural resources are being exploited
Pakistani forces are committing extrajudicial killings
China’s investments in the region are oppressing local populations

Over the past few months, the BLA has intensified its attacks, including:

🔥 Suicide bombing of a military convoy in Kalat
🔥 Ambush of a paramilitary bus, killing 18 soldiers
🔥 Roadside bombing that killed 11 coal miners
🔥 Attack on a Chinese-backed mining project security convoy

Pakistan’s failure to address Balochistan’s grievances has only fueled the insurgency, with more civilians and soldiers being caught in the crossfire.

What Happens Next? A Crisis on the Brink

With less than 24 hours left in the BLA’s final ultimatum, Pakistan faces a difficult choice—continue its military assault and risk mass executions of hostages, or negotiate with the BLA to de-escalate the crisis.

If Pakistan refuses to comply, the world could witness one of the deadliest hostage crises in modern history.

As the countdown continues, lives hang in the balance, and the next move could determine the fate of hundreds.

Tags:

Baloch Liberation Army, Jaffar Express Hijack, Balochistan crisis, Pakistan military, hostage situation, BLA ultimatum, Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict, insurgency in Balochistan, Pakistan human rights, train attack