'Fearing Worst;' Pakistan sends 200 coffins amid Jaffar Express standoff
What's the story
Pakistan is preparing for a potentially catastrophic outcome as over 200 of the nearly 500 people on the hijacked Jaffar Express train remain in the captivity of Baloch rebels.
There has been no official confirmation of the number of deaths, but media reports suggest that more than 200 coffins have been sent to Bolan from Quetta railway station "as per protocol."
Standoff
BLA's demands and ongoing standoff
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which is behind the attack, has shown no signs of giving up its demand, which is the release of all Baloch prisoners.
Military sources claim that 155 passengers have been freed and 27 militants killed, but there is no independent confirmation.
Unofficial reports also suggest that the Baloch rebels are holding the hostages at five different sites.
Ultimatum
BLA's ultimatum and threat to execute hostages
The BLA on Tuesday gave the government a 48-hour ultimatum to stop military operations. It threatened to kill 10 more captives if the operations don't stop.
According to security sources, militants have placed suicide bombers in explosive vests near civilians, making rescue attempts dangerous.
"The terrorists have positioned suicide bombers right next to innocent hostages," a security official said.
Background
70 to 80 terrorists were involved
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry told Geo News that between 70 to 80 terrorists were involved in the attack.
"Even right now, the terrorists have made human shields out of women and children. These suicide bombers are making small groups of the women and children and staying with them.
"The handlers of these terrorists are in a neighboring country; those giving them dollars are in another country. Our enemy India will definitely support this," he said.