By Sangeen Baluch
With every new day, people wake up hoping for peace, comfort, and happiness, wishing for their day to pass with relaxation and joy. But we Baloch, living under what we see as slavery, feel that we cannot afford such thoughts. We must remain prepared for every hardship—and we are. For us, celebrations, days, and nights all feel the same until we have ownership over our land, Balochistan.
After the major control by the Baloch Liberation Army over the Taftan route in Quetta, another major incident emerged on 24 May. While drinking my first sip of tea and scrolling through social media, the headline that dominated the day was: “Suicide attack on a train in Quetta.” However, I chose to read the details through our own media source, The Hakkal Media, because I do not trust the narratives presented by the Pakistani state.
For many Baloch, there is deep skepticism toward official statements, especially when reports of military casualties are minimized or details are withheld. Critics argue that this is done to avoid showing the extent of instability or to prevent acknowledging the growing influence and operational strength of armed groups in the region.
Meanwhile, Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, was shaken by a powerful explosion on Sunday morning when a shuttle train, the Jaffar Express, coming from Quetta Cantt, was attacked near Chaman Phatak. As a result of the explosion, all three bogies of the train derailed, two coaches overturned, and one bogie caught fire.
The shuttle train was reportedly carrying Pakistani military personnel from Quetta Cantt to Quetta Railway Station, where it was scheduled to connect with the Jaffar Express during Eid. According to officials, there were 336 passengers on board. At least 82 personnel were killed in the incident, while more than 121 were injured. Some of the injured were said to be in critical condition. The dead and wounded personnel were shifted to Quetta CMH, FC Hospital, and Civil Hospital.
In addition, videos that emerged after the explosion showed vehicles parked along the railway track burning while smoke rose from the overturned bogies. Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi confirmed the incident, stating that the explosion occurred near Chaman Phatak while the train was en route after departing from Quetta Cantt. According to him, three coaches, including the engine, derailed, while two bogies completely overturned.
Following the incident, the Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the attack. In a statement issued by the organization’s spokesperson, Jayend Baloch, it was stated that the BLA’s fidayeen unit, the “Majeed Brigade,” carried out the operation. The statement further claimed that “occupying army personnel” traveling on the train were the intended targets.
This incident is being described as part of the continuing cycle of attacks in Balochistan. The BLA has previously targeted railway infrastructure and Pakistani forces. The organization also claimed responsibility for the attack on Quetta Railway Station on November 9, 2024, which was considered among the deadliest attacks in the region. According to the group, the “Majeed Brigade” targeted military personnel who had completed training at the Infantry School Quetta. Similarly, on March 11, 2025, the Jaffar Express was hijacked in the Bolan area. During that operation, the BLA’s Majeed Brigade reportedly took hundreds of Pakistani personnel hostage and linked their release to specific demands. Later, following a military operation, the hostage personnel were killed.
For many observers, the increasing frequency and scale of attacks in Balochistan indicate that the Baloch Liberation Army and other armed organizations now possess the ability to strike not only remote regions but also major urban centers and critical infrastructure. Repeated attacks on railway networks have raised serious concerns regarding security and have intensified questions surrounding the state’s control and authority in the region.
Following today’s attack, security was placed on high alert across Quetta and nearby areas. Surveillance of railway tracks, stations, and sensitive installations was increased, while hospitals were placed under emergency conditions. An eyewitness speaking to the BBC stated that the intensity of the explosion caused two train carriages to overturn, while another carriage was severely damaged by fire.
Today was the day when Punjabis would finally understand what pain is, what loss is, and what the taste of death feels like. For decades, Pakistani army personnel have targeted Baloch people—not only the youth, but also children, women, and professionals such as teachers, doctors, nurses, and many others. Baloch people have been imprisoned, killed in fake encounters, subjected to dump policies, and faced the extrajudicial killing of innocent people.
Because of this, we Baloch never truly celebrated Eid, because those who were the reason for our happiness were either killed or abducted by the Pakistani army and intelligence agencies. And today, when you were preparing to celebrate, how did you imagine you could live freely while leaving us drowning in pain? How did you think you could remain untouched so easily? Today, you witnessed the result of the tears of our mothers and the cries of our sisters.
Today you understand what it means when our mothers and sisters are harassed, when their scarves are pulled away, when they are humiliated in the streets. Look at what became of your fate now, coward army.
The history of the Baloch will never allow an enemy to live freely on their land. No matter how long it takes, or how arrogantly an army lives in Balochistan while being involved in the killing of Baloch people, the looting of resources, or any activity meant to keep the Baloch enslaved and strengthen Pakistan’s control, one day the price must be paid. This land is ours, and we Baloch will never allow occupiers to live here freely.
At the same time, day by day, the situation is becoming more intense, and Pakistan appears to be gradually losing control over the Baloch people, while fighters of the Baloch Liberation Army continue to strengthen and expand their influence with every passing day. Today’s train attack was highlighted across different media platforms, proving that no matter how much the Pakistani state tries to hide the truth, reality eventually reveals itself—and often in a far more damaging way. There is a growing sense that the state may one day find itself completely trapped by the reality that Balochistan is no longer considered a safe region for Pakistan or its forces.
Bilal Shahwani, also known as Saheen, a 25-year-old commander who joined the BLA in 2020 and advanced swiftly through the ranks thanks to his leadership and military prowess, carried out the attack. Leading important operations like “Operation Herof 1” and “Operation Herof 2,” which demonstrated his strategic insight, was among his contributions.
After the Jaffar Express hijacking on November 9, this operation seriously jeopardized the enemy’s military travel procedures. In response, the Pakistani army changed its approach to safeguarding soldiers by incorporating them into shuttle trains and utilizing special carriages at the high-security Quetta cantonment. Two defensive strategies included the construction of a security wall and the deployment of a Quick Response Force.
The shuttle train became the target of a precise fidayee attack by the Baloch Liberation Army through its intelligence wing, ZIRAB, which reportedly resulted in heavy military casualties and substantial resource losses. The BLA denies the Pakistani army’s claims describing the incident as involving civilian casualties to conceal this failure, stating that its focus remained on military targets and adherence to the laws of war to prevent civilian injury.
Shahwani’s mission demonstrates ideological conviction against occupation and represents the BLA’s strategic progression toward a structured military framework that prioritizes collective goals over individual interests. According to the group, this operation reflects the Pakistani military’s incapacity to protect its territory from the BLA’s advances. The BLA recognizes Shahwani’s contribution to the movement’s history and reiterates its dedication to the freedom of Balochistan.
In the end, no matter what, it is always painful to lose a comrade who sheds his sweat on the battlefield, who never stopped struggling and continued participating in different operations and missions, sacrificing his comfort, his peace, and ultimately his life for the sake of the homeland. But this is the only path, and the only way to reclaim our freedom and our land is through struggle and sacrifice.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Balochistan Post or any of its editors.