On Tuesday, gunmen seized over 450 train passengers, including women and children, in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province after injuring the train’s driver, according to Balochistan Railways officials.​

Mohammad Kashif, an official with Balochistan Railways, reported that the assailants attacked the train, wounded its driver, causing it to halt, and subsequently took the passengers hostage.​

Balochistan has been a hotspot for security tensions due to the activities of separatist and militant groups seeking greater autonomy and a larger share of the region’s natural resources.​

Pakistani authorities are currently negotiating with the gunmen to ensure the safe release of the hostages, while security measures have been heightened in the area to prevent further escalation.​

This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in Pakistan, particularly in regions where militant groups are active in destabilizing efforts.​