Pakistan Train Hijacking: The Rising Threat of Travel Security Risks

Introduction: The Growing Danger of Transport-Related Attacks

A recent train hijacking in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, where gunmen took hundreds of passengers hostage, highlights the increasing security risks for travellers in high-risk regions【source: Al Jazeera】

This event underscores the urgent need for travellers whether corporate employees, NGOs, or journalists to be prepared for unexpected crises such as hijackings, kidnappings, and violent attacks.

Without proper risk assessment, situational awareness, and emergency response training, individuals traveling in volatile areas face severe threats to their safety and security.

What This Means for Business & NGO Travellers

Public Transport Can Be a High-Risk Target

• Trains, buses, and transport hubs are frequent targets for militant attacks.

• Travellers often assume security risks are limited to road travel, but rail and air travel can also be vulnerable.

Hostage Situations Can Escalate Rapidly

• A lack of training in crisis response leaves many travellers unsure how to react in a hijacking or hostage situation.

• Knowing when to comply, when to escape, and how to communicate with authorities is critical.

 ISO 31030 & Travel Risk Management

• The ISO 31030 international travel risk management standard requires organisations to assess, mitigate, and train employees on security risks.

• Employers have a duty of care to ensure their staff are prepared for high-risk travel.

This incident raises a key question:

Are organisations providing the right training to protect their teams?

How Travel Safety & HEAT Training Can Help Reduce Risk

At Callida Freemont, we provide ISO 31030-aligned Travel Safety & HEAT Training to help professionals prepare for crisis situations, including hijackings, hostage incidents, and security threats.

Key Training Modules Include:

• Threat Awareness & Risk Assessment – Recognising high-risk travel routes. 

• Hostage Survival & Negotiation Strategies – Understanding how to respond in a hijacking. 

• Escape & Evasion Techniques – How to react when an opportunity for escape arises. 

• Crisis Communication & Emergency Response – How to stay connected and seek help. 

• HEAT (Hostile Environment Awareness Training) – Advanced survival training for high-risk travel.

  
  

For corporate security teams, NGOs, and journalists, this training is critical in ensuring staff safety and compliance with global travel risk standards.

Are Your Teams Prepared for High-Risk Travel?

The Pakistan train hijacking is a stark reminder that travel risks are unpredictable. Without proper preparation and training, travellers are vulnerable to life-threatening situations.

Proactive training is the best way to ensure safety in high-risk regions.