Baloch rebels claim execution of 214 hostages; Pakistan Army pledges crackdown inside and outside the country
Islamabad [Pakistan], March 15: Following the hijacking of the Jaffar Express by Baloch rebel groups, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General, Lt General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has vowed to take action against the perpetrators both inside and outside the country, calling them enemies of Pakistan and Islam.
“Terrorists will be dealt with as they deserve. Those who drag innocent people out of buses and slaughter them—who divide people by ethnicity—have no connection to Baloch [ethnicity] or Islam. We will take them on, along with their facilitators and abettors, wherever they may be,” said Lt. Gen. Chaudhry during a press conference.
His statement comes amid claims by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) that 214 hostages were executed after Pakistan’s refusal to negotiate a prisoner exchange within a 48-hour deadline.
Baloch Rebels Blame Pakistan for Hostage Killings
Jeeyand Baloch, spokesperson for the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), alleged that Pakistan’s “stubbornness” and refusal to engage in serious negotiations led to the execution of the hostages.
"Baloch Liberation Army had given the Pakistani army a 48-hour ultimatum to exchange prisoners of war. Pakistan, displaying its traditional arrogance, refused to negotiate. As a result, all 214 hostages have been executed," claimed the BLA in a statement.
The BLA further insisted that it adheres to international law, shifting the blame onto the Pakistani state for the loss of lives.
"We have always acted in accordance with the principles of war and international law, but the Pakistani state chose to use its personnel as pawns instead of saving their lives. The enemy had to pay the price," the statement added.
Pakistan Military’s Response & Ongoing Crackdown
On Thursday, Lt. Gen. Chaudhry confirmed that all 33 rebels at the site of the attack had been killed in a clearance operation. However, the broader insurgency continues to pose a major security challenge for Pakistan.
In his latest statement, Chaudhry warned that the military’s retaliation will not be limited to the rebels alone, but will also target those supporting them from within and outside Pakistan.
"We will take them on, their facilitators, their abettors, whether inside Pakistan or outside Pakistan," he declared.
The Baloch insurgency has intensified in recent years, with rebel groups targeting security forces, government officials, and infrastructure in Balochistan—a resource-rich but conflict-prone region.
Rising Tensions & The Road Ahead
The escalation of violence between Baloch rebel groups and Pakistani security forces has further deepened instability in the region.
- Pakistan’s military has vowed to intensify counter-insurgency operations against Baloch separatists.
- The BLA remains defiant, signaling continued attacks on Pakistan’s security forces and infrastructure.
- International observers warn of a prolonged conflict, with no signs of diplomatic resolution in sight.
As both sides continue their aggressive stance, the situation in Balochistan remains volatile, with fears of further bloodshed and reprisals in the coming days.
Last Updated on March 15, 2025 by Sandeep
