Quetta: 155 passengers have been rescued and 27 terrorists have been killed by security forces during clearance operation following the attack on Jaffar Express and holding 500 passengers hostage by terrorists in Dhadar area of Bolan Pass
Operation was launched early on Wednesday.
The rescued passengers include 31 men and women and 15 children.
According to Railway authorities 17 passengers were injured among those who were rescued. They have been shifted to hospital.
Additional contingents of security forces are taking part in operation.
According to security forces sources intense firing has been continuing between security forces and terrorists.
The train was trapped in a tunnel and the driver was killed after suffering serious injuries, local authorities, police and railway officials said.
The Baloch Liberation Army, a separatist militant group, said it blew up the track and "swiftly took control of the train".
The suicide bombers have taken women and children hostage at three different locations. Due to the presence of women and children with the suicide bombers, the operation is being conducted with utmost caution.
Thirty-seven injured have been sent for medical treatment.
As the clearance operation is going on, the terrorists have divided hostages into small groups, sources said, adding that the security forces were trying to secure release of the remaining hostages.
Sources stated that the terrorists had been in contact with their facilitators in Afghanistan. "There are also suicide bombers among the terrorists who have been placed near hostages," said sources.
According to PRO DS Railway emergency has been declared all the hospitals. Ambulances have been dispatched to the scene from Sibbi.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the terrorist attack on Jaffar Express in Dhadar area of Bolan Pass.
In their separate statements, they lauded the security forces for their bravery and professionalism demonstrated in the operation against terrorists.
Naqvi expressed sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the incident and assured the Balochistan chief minister of full support by the federal government. Both leaders lauded the security forces for their timely action.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack and prayed for the early recovery of the injured people. He added: "Beasts who opened fire on innocent passengers deserve no leniency."
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also condemned the Jaffar Express incident and expressed concern for the safety of the train passengers taken hostage in Balochistan. He expressed wishes for their safe recovery.