The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the execution of 214 hostages after Pakistan refused to negotiate a prisoner exchange. The mass execution included only Pakistan security personnel,

Home to about 15 million of Pakistan’s estimated 240 million people, according to the 2023 census, Balochistan remains the country’s poorest region despite being rich in natural resources such as coal, gold, copper, and gas. These resources generate substantial revenue for the federal government.

Baloch insurgents hijacked the Jaffar Express train from Quetta to Peshawar near the Bolan Pass in Balochistan. On Wednesday, the Pakistani Army claimed that it had freed all the hostages, but the BLA rejected it and called it propaganda.