Home to about 15 million of Pakistan’s estimated 240 million people, according to the 2023 census, Balochistan remains the country’s poorest region despite being rich in natural resources such as coal, gold, copper, and gas. These resources generate substantial revenue for the federal government.

Baloch insurgents hijacked the Jaffar Express train from Quetta to Peshawar near the Bolan Pass in Balochistan. On Wednesday, the Pakistani Army claimed that it had freed all the hostages, but the BLA rejected it and called it propaganda.

Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed that it had executed all 214 Pakistani military hostages captured during the Jaffar Express train seizure. The group accused the Pakistani government of ignoring their demands and refusing to engage in serious negotiations for the hostages' release.

The BLA hit the headlines in 2004 when it launched a violent struggle against Pakistan for self-determination for the Baloch people and the separation of Balochistan from Pakistan.

A major security crisis unfolded in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province on Tuesday when separatist militants attacked the Jaffar Express, a

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan’s military accused neighboring India on Friday of sponsoring insurgents in a restive southwestern province, where an unprecedented attack by armed separatists this week killed 26 passengers aboard a hijacked train.