The separatist Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility for attacking the train carrying 440 passengers in a tunnel in a remote part of Balochistan. Spokesman Jeeyand Baloch had said the group was ready to free passengers if authorities agree to release jailed militants.

The Pakistan Army was able to execute all the 33 militants who attacked the train and they also safely evacuated the remaining passengers by the night of March 12.

Following the hijacking of the Jaffar Express train, the Pakistani military had claimed that all 33 Baloch rebels were killed, and the hostages were rescued. However, the BLA themselves have disputed this, accusing the army of covering up its failure.

Pakistan’s prime minister traveled to restive southwestern Balochistan province to meet survivors of a train attack and the commandos who rescued over 300 passengers from the insurgents who killed 21 civilians and four troops.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for national unity and dialogue against terrorism in the country following the hijacking of a Jaffar Express train in Balochistan's Bolan district, the Dawn News reported.