Quetta: Around 500 passengers on a train heading from Quetta to Peshawar city have been held hostage by militants in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province. There are reports of intense firing at a Jaffar Express train between Pehro Kunri and Gadalar area of Balochin Tunnel No 8, Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said on Tuesday. "Efforts are being made to contact the passengers and staff," he added.
According to Kuwait News Agency, a banned outfit, Balochistan Liberation Army, has claimed responsibility for the attack and taking hundreds of people hostage. The situation remains tense as authorities work to secure the release of the passengers and ensure their safety. The motive behind the attack and the demands of the militants remain unclear at this time.