The train hijacking in south-western Pakistan represents a major escalation in the region’s long-running insurgency.

The BLA is one of the largest militant outfits demanding independence for Balochistan. It is designated as a terrorist group by Pakistan as well as the US.

In Pakistan's Balochistan province, armed militants hijacked a passenger train, killing three people and taking over 450 hostages. Security forces responded swiftly, rescuing more than 150 passengers and killing 27 militants.

The death toll from a militant hijacking of a train in Pakistan's southwestern mountains has risen to 31 soldiers, staff and civilians, the military said on Friday as it accused India and Afghanistan of backing the insurgents.

Mehboob Hussain was riding the train home on Tuesday when the tracks under the front car exploded. In the depths of central Pakistan's Bolan Pass, a pocket of wilderness so remote that there is no internet or mobile network coverage, the nine-coach Jaffar Express ground to a halt. Then the bullets started flying.

Militants in Balochistan, spearheaded by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), have claimed the execution of 50 hostages following a train hijacking involving over 400 passengers. The incident escalated with explosive attacks on railway tracks,

Hostages freed after a day-long ordeal following a BLA militant attack on a Pakistan train recalled crouching on the floor for hours before their release.