Unidentified armed men opened fire on the Jaffar Express traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, injuring the driver and causing panic among the passengers.
The attack took place on Monday morning when the train crossed the regions of Gudalaar and Piru Koneri.
According to Express News, armed men forced the train to stop in the Mach mountain area, where passengers were taken hostage. Eye witnesses and surveys said that the shot continued in the region when the train was interrupted.
Railway police confirmed the incident, declaring that the train was interrupted and that around 500 passengers were on board. There are unconfirmed reports of multiple injuries among passengers, but the situation is still under investigation.
The railroad public relations officer confirmed that emergency protocols had been activated in neighboring hospitals and that the ambulances were sent to Sibi.
The security forces would have surrounded the area around the Mach mountains, which is known for its difficult terrain. The authorities have deployed additional convoys to help the operation.
Sources have also indicated that explosives could have been used to damage the railroad tracks before the shots start, and the driver was among the seriously injured people. The armed men would have continued to shoot sporadically, with continuous efforts to release hostages and secure passengers.
Balutchistan has recently witnessed an increase in militant attacks.
No group claimed the responsibility of the assault on Jaffer Express.
