Balochistan MP Warns of Potential Secession as Tensions Rise

Over 50 prominent Afghan women’s rights activists residing in Pakistan are at risk of deportation, facing potential imprisonment or death if returned to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. The Pakistan government has pledged to deport millions of Afghan nationals as relations deteriorate and militant attacks rise, labeling them as "terrorists" and "traitors" (The Guardian, 2025). Since September 2023, Pakistani authorities have forcibly returned at least 844,499 Afghans, according to Amnesty International, raising serious concerns about their safety. Among those currently in hiding are activists like Humaira Alim, who fled Afghanistan after receiving death threats for her advocacy work. “If they send me back to Afghanistan, it only means death,” Alim stated, fearing Taliban retaliation. This mass deportation has been condemned by human rights groups, including Avaaz, which described the action as a “death sentence” for these individuals. The Pakistani government has set a deadline of March 31 for undocumented Afghans to leave the country or face arrest, prompting activists to seek asylum in third countries for their safety.

A military operation in Pakistan's Balochistan province concluded with the rescue of approximately 190 hostages from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) after they hijacked the Jaffar Express train on Tuesday. The train, carrying about 450 passengers, was attacked while passing through a mountainous region; the BLA militants detonated explosives and demanded the release of political prisoners, escalating their threats against hostages. Officials reported that 33 militants and 21 hostages lost their lives during the military's air and land offensive to reclaim the train. The operation faced significant challenges due to the difficult terrain. Yousaf Bashir, a surviving passenger, recounted the chaos during the attack, stating, “There was a huge blast... Everyone was scared.” The BLA justified their actions as a response to alleged atrocities committed against the Baloch people, intensifying their insurgent activities in the region. Security analyst Zahid Hussain noted that such attacks demonstrate the growing challenges faced by the military in containing the BLA's insurgency.

A military operation to rescue hostages from the Jaffar Express train hijacked by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) in Balochistan province concluded with tragic fatalities on March 12, 2025. According to Pakistan's security services, approximately 190 hostages were rescued after a fierce engagement, during which 33 militants and 21 hostages were killed. The incident unfolded when the train, carrying around 450 passengers, was attacked and derailed as it traversed mountainous terrain. The BLA had previously threatened to execute hostages unless their demands regarding the release of political prisoners were met within 48 hours. The group later claimed responsibility for the deaths of 50 hostages due to the government’s inaction. Survivors described horrifying scenes of explosions and chaos, with some able to escape after a long, treacherous walk through the mountains. The BLA stated that the hijacking was a reaction to what they termed Pakistan’s colonial occupation of Balochistan, as the region continues to see increased militant activity and ongoing insurgency challenges for the military.