Pakistan (MNN) — A terrifying hostage situation ignited in Pakistan on Tuesday when militants from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked a passenger train in Balochistan. The Jaffar Express, carrying around 440 people, was stopped and armed insurgents took control. What followed was a violent standoff with security forces.

According to Pakistan’s military, security forces have freed the hostages, but 21 train passengers were killed along with four soldiers and 33 hijackers. However, as of yesterday, the BLA claims it is still active on the train and continues to hold over 100 hostages.

The Pakistan Army’s special forces soldiers in a drill conducting jointly with the Russian special forces in 2016. (Caption, photo by Mil.ru, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=52068269)

This attack is just the latest in a string of violent incidents in Balochistan, a region where the BLA has been fighting for autonomy.

Nehemiah with FMI points out this attack also highlights growing extremism in the country. According to the new Global Terrorism Index 2025, he says, “Pakistan is now ranked as the second most terrorism affected country in the world, right after Burkina Faso and before Syria, alarmingly terrorism-related deaths in Pakistan rose by 45% in 2024 alone.”

While the BLA mainly targets government forces and infrastructure, their actions also make life even more dangerous for Christians and other religious minorities who already face discrimination and persecution.

“It’s a fearful situation when these partners go in these areas and try to share the Word of God. You never know who is your enemy and who is your friend, especially in this hostile situation where terrorists are everywhere,” Nehemiah explains.

“Sadly, in Balochistan and KPK, which is a border region of Afghanistan and Iran, many cities control have been taken over by Taliban or ISIS or BLA…. So different aspects are now in Pakistan. They are [attacking] the military, mosques, and of course they are targeting Christians or minorities in Pakistan as well.”

Amazingly, Pakistani Christians are praying for terrorists, that they would know and turn to Jesus! Please pray with them.

Nehemiah says, “I was talking to a brother a few days ago, and I was like, ‘How can we pray for you?’ And he said, ‘Please pray for terrorists who are killing them and killing other Pakistanis. Please pray for them that they know the light of the message and the light of hope, which is Jesus Christ.'”

Learn more about FMI’s ministry in Pakistan.

 

Header photo: Pakistan flag (Photo courtesy of Abuzar Xheikh/Unsplash)