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

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.

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.

Pakistan’s prime minister has commended the country’s armed forces for successfully rescuing 339 passengers after a deadly train hijacking by insurgents in the southwest

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.

Pakistani security forces stormed a hijacked train on March 12, ending a day-long standoff with separatist militants. The attackers, Baloch separatist militants, had hijacked the Jaffar Express on March 11 after blowing up the railway track,

The Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the attack on the Jaffar Express. Earlier, around 190 of the hostages were freed by Pakistani forces during an overnight rescue operation.