Terrorists in explosive vests have reportedly threatened Pakistan train passengers' lives if officials refuse to release imprisoned militants.

Mehboob Hussain was riding the train home on Tuesday when the tracks under the front car exploded. In the depths of central Pakistan's Bolan Pass, a pocket of wilderness so remote that there is no internet or mobile network coverage, the nine-coach Jaffar Express ground to a halt. Then the bullets started flying.

The Taliban denied Pakistan's claim that Afghanistan-based militants were involved in the Balochistan train hijacking. The Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility. Pakistani officials said attackers communicated with handlers in Afghanistan,