Insurgents who ambushed a train carrying hundreds of people have killed some of the hostages, Pakistani authorities said.
A stand-off is continuing after separatists wearing explosive-laden vests barricaded themselves in with about 250 passengers in the south-western Balochistan province.
Security officials gave no details about the killings a day after the separatists attacked the train in a tunnel.
The separatist Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack. Spokesman Jeeyand Baloch said the group was ready to free passengers if authorities agree to release jailed militants.
More than 190 passengers were rescued (AP)
There has been no comment on that from the government, which has rejected such demands in the past.
At least 30 militants were killed in initial exchanges of gunfire since Tuesday. By late Wednesday, security forces had rescued 190 of the 450 passengers who were initially on the train, according to security officials.
Helicopters were backing up Pakistani forces in the area, said spokesman Shahid Rind, describing the attack as “an act of terrorism”.
It was the first time the BLA separatists had hijacked a train, though the group has attacked trains before.
The BLA regularly targets Pakistani security forces and has also in the past attacked civilians, including Chinese nationals working on multibillion-dollar projects related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
A number of passengers were rescued (AP)
Pakistan hosts thousands of Chinese workers building major infrastructure projects, including ports and airports in Balochistan.
Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said her country “will continue to firmly support Pakistan in advancing its counterterrorism efforts.”
Authorities said the rescued so far include women and children. An undisclosed number of security personnel have been killed.
Officials say the Jafer Express train was partially inside a tunnel when the militants blew up the tracks, forcing the engine and nine coaches to stop.
Rescued passengers were being sent to their hometowns and the injured were being treated at hospitals in the Mach district. Others were taken to Quetta, the provincial capital, about 60 miles away.
The train was travelling from Quetta to the northern city of Peshawar when it came under attack.