logo
Jaffar Express hijack: BLA releases video on train capture, ‘Our struggle has come to a point where…'

Jaffar Express hijack: BLA releases video on train capture, ‘Our struggle has come to a point where…'

Mint19-05-2025

The Baloch Liberation Army's media wing, Hakkal, that had hijacked the Jaffar Express train in Balochistan province of Pakistan, has released a video documenting its operation – codenamed Darra-e-Bolan 2.0 – in March 2025. Dozens of separatist Balochi militants blew up a railway track and lobbed rockets at the Jaffar Express, carrying more than 400 passengers.
The video provides the first comprehensive visual account of the operation, contradicting official Pakistani claims and underscoring the BLA's control during the attack. The footage reveals BLA fighters executing what appears to be a coordinated clearance operation onboard the Jaffar Express train. It also shows passengers of the train sitting outside the train after the hijacking.
A BLA fighter, delivering a statement in the video, underscored the motivations behind the attack, 'Our struggle and war has come to a point where we are to take such critical decisions.'
'Our young people are equipped to take such steps, for they are aware that except such decisions there are no other options left. A gun is needed to halt the gun. The sound that comes out of a gunshot may reach a point,' he said.
He said, 'Baloch young men have taken the decision today to attack the enemy without any hesitation and care about their lives. Today if a son is leaving his father behind to sacrifice his life, so is a father leaving his son behind to sacrifice himself for the cause.'
During the two-day incident, Pakistan Army spokesperson DGISPR had claimed that the BLA had suffered heavy losses – a claim the BLA has rejected.
At least 21 passengers and four paramilitary soldiers were killed by militants who seized a train in Pakistan's Balochistan, a general said, declaring that the army operation was over.
Army spokesman Lt Gen Ahmad Sharif told Dunya News TV that security forces killed all 33 militants present at the scene.
Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar also confirmed that the 33 terrorists who held Pakistani citizens hostage have been eliminated.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Pakistans Debt Crisis Explodes: Burden Mounts To 76,007,000,000,000 PKR Exposing Islamabads Vulnerability
Pakistans Debt Crisis Explodes: Burden Mounts To 76,007,000,000,000 PKR Exposing Islamabads Vulnerability

India.com

timean hour ago

  • India.com

Pakistans Debt Crisis Explodes: Burden Mounts To 76,007,000,000,000 PKR Exposing Islamabads Vulnerability

Pakistan Economic Crisis: Pakistan is often called the begging bowl of the world, especially among the Islamic nations. Every now and then, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is seen visiting friendly countries seeking assistance, investments and support while its Army keeps spending on building terror infrastructure. Now, a fresh report has revealed a staggering surge in Pakistan's debt. While Pakistan has been facing burgeoning inflation, the country's national debt is soaring to a record high. A new Economic Survey, released this Monday, reveals that Pakistan's debt has soared to an unprecedented high, painting a deeply concerning picture for its economic future. According to the CNN-NEWS18 report, Pakistan's total public debt hit a staggering 76,007 billion Pakistani Rupees (PKR)—that's 76 trillion —by the end of March 2025. This marks the highest debt level in the country's history. To put that into perspective, it translates to approximately INR 23.1 trillion or US $269.344 billion. The rapid escalation of this debt is particularly alarming. Just four years ago, in 2020-21, Pakistan's public debt stood at 39,860 billion PKR, meaning it has nearly doubled in that short span. Looking back a decade, the figure was just 17,380 billion PKR, indicating that the nation's public debt has ballooned by almost five times over the past ten years. This colossal sum of 76,007 billion PKR is made up of 51,518 billion PKR in domestic debt and 24,489 billion PKR in external debt. The Economic Survey itself warns of the dangers, stating that "excessive or poorly managed debt can pose serious vulnerabilities, such as rising interest burdens and can undermine long-term fiscal sustainability and economic security if left unaddressed." Amidst this backdrop, Pakistan recently received a US $1.03 billion aid package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under its Extended Fund Facility, an attempt to provide some relief to its strained economy. Notably, Pakistan is planning to increase its defence spending in wake of the Operation Sindoor where it faced a humiliating defeat against India. Pakistan has repeatedly been accused of diverting development funds towards terror and military infrastructure.

No restrictions on Indian travellers to Saudi Arabia; temporary visa curbs only for Hajj season: Sources
No restrictions on Indian travellers to Saudi Arabia; temporary visa curbs only for Hajj season: Sources

Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Time of India

No restrictions on Indian travellers to Saudi Arabia; temporary visa curbs only for Hajj season: Sources

This is a representative image NEW DELHI: Reports about any bar on Indians travelling to Saudi Arabia are incorrect. The Saudi Government has not issued any notification on this matter, sources confirmed. As clarified by official sources, during the Hajj season, temporary restrictions on short-term visas are implemented to regulate the flow of pilgrims and avoid overcrowding- a standard measure that ends with the conclusion of Hajj. Meanwhile, reflecting on the success of the Hajj pilgrimage arrangements, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan extended his congratulations to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for the smooth and safe conduct of this year's pilgrimage, acknowledging the efforts that enabled millions to perform their rituals peacefully. He acknowledged the gracious care of the Saudi leadership and its institutions, attributing the success of the Hajj season to their commitment to providing a spiritually fulfilling and secure experience for all worshippers. Extending similar greetings, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, also conveyed their congratulations to the Saudi monarch. In this context of international goodwill and regional cooperation, Indian pilgrims also participated in the sacred rituals, joining millions in performing Wuquf-e-Arafat, the spiritual climax of the Hajj, the Embassy of India in Riyadh shared on Thursday. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Reinforcing this, the Indian Embassy wrote on X, "Indian pilgrims join millions of other pilgrims today at Arafat to perform Wuquf-e-Arafat, the core ritual of Haj." Sharing updates from the ground, Consul General Fahad Suri extended greetings in a video message and confirmed that all Indian pilgrims had arrived safely in Arafat, highlighting the coordinated efforts between the Indian Hajj Mission and Saudi authorities to ensure safe and smooth travel, stay, and onward movements of pilgrims. He appreciated the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and associated service providers for their tireless support and extended wishes for a blessed Eid-ul-Adha and a successful Hajj for all pilgrims. These developments reflect the strong India-Saudi Arabia bilateral relations, grounded in centuries-old economic and cultural ties. The annual Hajj pilgrimage serves as a key aspect of this deep-rooted connection. Earlier this year, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Saudi Arabia, the Indian side had expressed gratitude for the Kingdom's care towards the 2.7 million Indian nationals residing there, underlining the people-to-people bonds shared between the two nations. The Indian government also commended Saudi Arabia for the successful organisation of the 2024 Hajj and acknowledged the excellent bilateral coordination in facilitating Indian Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

Pahalgam attack remarks: Allahabad HC grants anticipatory bail to LU asst prof
Pahalgam attack remarks: Allahabad HC grants anticipatory bail to LU asst prof

Hindustan Times

time2 hours ago

  • Hindustan Times

Pahalgam attack remarks: Allahabad HC grants anticipatory bail to LU asst prof

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court on Monday granted an interim anticipatory bail to Lucknow University's assistant professor Madri Kakoti who was booked on April 28 this year on charges of sedition and causing disharmony through her controversial social media post related to the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack. Justice Rajeev Singh passed the order. An FIR was lodged against Kakoti on the application of Jatin Shukla, a student and member of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). In the FIR, she was accused of targeting the integrity and sovereignty of India through her posts on X. She was booked for multiple offences under relevant Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections, including charges related to endangering India's sovereignty, unity and integrity. Advocate Syed Mohammad Haider Rizvi represented Kakoti in the court. It was contended in the FIR that Kakoti's posts contained objectionable and provocative terms such as saffron-terrorist and were circulated by Pakistani media houses.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store