The BLA, a separatist group seeking Balochistan’s independence from Pakistan, hijacked the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express on Tuesday after destroying railway tracks.

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.