The train hijacking in south-western Pakistan represents a major escalation in the region’s long-running insurgency.

Nearly 200 have been freed but the status of other passengers remains unclear as security forces continue to battle separatist militants.

Pakistan's military spokesman said on Friday the death toll in a train hijacking in the country's southwestern mountains had risen to 31 and he repeated accusations that neighbouring India and Afghanistan backed the militants who carried it out.

The BLA said they gave the Pakistan Army 48 hours to exchange prisoners of war, but since they did not heed their warning, they killed the hostages