India, March 15 -- The Baloch independence issue has been festering since Pakistan's independence in 1947 when the princely state of Kalat was allowed to choose between joining Pakistan or seeking independence. The Khan of Kalat opted for independence, which the state got for all of 227 days.

PUNE: The Jaffar Express is one of Pakistan's most prestigious long distance trains. Starting from Quetta, it traverses the mountains of Balochistan till it enters Sindh, and then turns northwards to cross almost all of Pakistani Punjab, and finally completes its 1600 kms long journey at Peshawar. The train is a symbol for Pakistan Railway. It is also a prime target for Baloch freedom fighters who have struck it four times in the past three years it...