Türkiye condemns terror attack on passenger train in Pakistan
Paramilitary soldiers stand guard at a railway station in the Sibi district of southwestern Balochistan province on March 12, 2025 (AFP Photo)
Turkish Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the terrorist attack on a passenger train in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, expressing condolences for those who lost their lives and calling for the immediate release of hostages.
In a written statement issued Wednesday, the ministry said it was deeply saddened by the attack that resulted in casualties.
“We extend our condolences to the victims and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. We strongly condemn this heinous attack and hope for the swift release of those taken hostage,” the statement read.
Gunmen hijack passenger train in Balochistan
The attack occurred on Tuesday when armed terrorists ambushed a train carrying approximately 450 passengers traveling from Quetta to Peshawar.
According to Pakistani security sources, terrorists belonging to the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) detonated explosives on the railway track before storming the train in Bolan district.
Reports indicated that up to 80 heavily armed terrorists took 214 passengers hostage.
A military operation was launched in response, with security forces rescuing 190 hostages and killing at least 30 attackers. However, officials are still working to confirm the total number of casualties.
BLA claims responsibility for the attack
The BLA, which has carried out armed insurgencies in Balochistan for over two decades, claimed responsibility for the assault.
The group has been behind numerous attacks on security forces, government institutions, and civilians, demanding independence for Balochistan, a resource-rich yet underdeveloped region.
The BLA has previously targeted infrastructure projects and Chinese investments in the province, particularly those linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The Pakistani government has accused foreign entities of supporting the insurgency, though these claims have been denied by the accused parties.
Pakistan’s security forces respond
The Pakistani military and police launched a large-scale operation to free the hostages and neutralize the attackers. Authorities confirmed that all militants involved in the hijacking were killed as the final phase of the operation concluded.
“Security forces acted with caution as some militants wore explosive vests and had taken strategic positions near the hostages,” military sources said.
The government has since suspended rail services to and from Balochistan for three days as a precautionary measure.
