More than 100 railway passengers have reportedly been taken hostage in Pakistan after a group of militants hijacked a train in the Balochistan province.

The Jafar Express, carrying approximately 500 passengers, was targeted while traveling from Quetta, the provincial capital, to the northern city of Peshawar.

Government spokesman Shahid Rind characterized the incident as 'an act of terrorism.'

The attack commenced when militants blew up the railway track in Bolan district and engaged in a gunfight with security personnel on board.

Ambulances were dispatched to the scene; however, access was complicated due to the region's rugged terrain.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which has been involved in a prolonged insurgency, has claimed responsibility for the attack.

In a statement, the group asserted that it has taken more than 100 hostages, including security personnel, during the assault.

According to security sources, the hijacking occurred inside a tunnel, with militants reportedly using women and children as human shields.

In response to the situation, Pakistani troops have initiated operations aimed at rescuing the hostages.

Trains operating within Balochistan typically have security contingents on board due to the history of violent attacks in the area.

In November of the previous year, a suicide bombing at a railway station in Quetta resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals.

Balochistan, rich in oil and minerals, stands as Pakistan's largest and least populated province.

The region is a focal point for the ethnic Baloch minority, whose members have expressed long-standing grievances regarding perceived discrimination and exploitation by the central government.